^^^^^m 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


GIFT  OF 
FREDERIC  THOMAS  BLANCHARD 


'THE  LIBRARY 

^m^ERSnr  OF  CATJFORNIA 
^OS  ANGELES 


J<}aa.e  7^/.  OBy^.^; 


fl^c^-^r^^^y/. 


<r>t. 


iJU  , 


J  & 


77. 


KARINE 


TALES    FROM    FOREIGN    LANDS. 


UNIFORM    IN    STYLE    AND    PRICE. 

—4 

I. 

Memories :   A  Story  of  German  Love.    Translated  from 

the  German  of  Max  Muller,  by  Geo.  P.  Upton.     i6mo, 
173  pages,  gilt  top. 

II. 

Graziella:  A  Story  of  Italian  Love.  Translated  from 
the  French  of  A.  df,  Lamartine,  by  James  B.  Runnion, 
i6mo,  235  pages,  gilt  top. 

III. 

Marie:  A  Story  of  Russian  Love.  From  the  Russian 
of  Alexander  Pushkim,  by  Marie  H.  de  Zielinska. 
i6mo,  2 to  pages,  gilt  top. 

IV. 

Madeleine :  A  Story  of  French  Love.  Translated  from 
the  French  of  Jules  Sandeau,  by  Franos  Charlot. 
i6mo,  244  pages,  gilt  top. 

V. 

Marianela :  A  Story  of  Spanish  Love.  Translated  from 
the  Spanish  of  B.  Perez  Galdos,  by  Helen  W.  Lester. 
i6mo,  243  pages,  gilt  top. 

VI. 
Cousin  Phillis:   A  Story  of  English  Love.     By  Mrs. 

Gaskell.     i6mo,  222  pages,  gilt  top. 

VII. 
Karine:   A  Story  of  Swedish  Love.    Translated  fV-om 
the  German  of  Wilhelm  Jensen,  by  Emma  A.  Endlich. 
i6mo,  211  pages,  gilt  top. 


KARINE 


A    STORY    OF    SWEDISH    LOVE 


TRANSLATED  FROM  THE  GERMAN 


OF 


WILHELM  j^JENSEN 


BY 


EMMA  A.   ENDLICH 


CHICAGO 

A.   C.    McCLURG   AND    COMPANY 

1896 


Copyright 

By  a.  C.  McClurg  &  Co. 

A.  D.  i8g6 


b'Kf^E    - 


K  A  R  I  N  E. 


CHAPTER   I. 

BEHOLD  the  Falls  of  Trollhatta  !  For  ages 
they  have  thundered,  —  long  before  human 
ears  were  near  to  hear  the  sound  of  falling  waters. 
Far  over  the  rocks  they  scatter  the  glistening  spray, 
while,  below,  the  troubled  waters  seethe  and  toss. 
The  child  playing  upon  their  brink  becomes  a  man ; 
time  touches  his  hair  with  silver ;  and  when,  at  the 
close  of  his  life,  he  totters  forth,  leaning  upon  his 
staff,  he  finds  them  the  same  as  they  were  at  its 
beginning,  —  wreathed  in  flowers,  like  the  spring- 
time ;  white  as  winter's  snow. 

It  is  well  for  him  who  would  forget,  to  sit  by  the 
waters  of  Trollhatta  ;  their  roaring  so  stuns  the  ear 


ir\viv'?^y 


8  KARINE. 


that  it  cannot  hear  the  voices  of  the  past.  They 
approach,  gently  flowing,  like  the  destiny  of  a 
human  soul,  —  peaceful,  transparent,  kissing  the 
nodding,  overhanging  grasses ;  then  a  little  eddy, 
a  swifter  motion,  —  imperceptible,  unheeded,  —  yet 
the  stillness,  the  clearness,  have  gone  forever. 
More  hastily  they  flow,  still  more  hastily  are  driven, 
drawn,  compelled,  —  until  suddenly  they  plunge 
headlong  into  the  all-devouring  abyss. 

When  the  first  human  beings  came  hither  from 
the  forests  of  the  South,  —  flat- faced  people,  girded 
with  shaggy  skins,  pursuing  the  reindeer  with  spears 
of  flint,  —  the  thunder  of  the  Trollhatta  was  their 
only  greeting.  We  know  not  whether  it  was  years 
or  centuries  they  dwelt  upon  its  banks  ;  they  left  no 
record  of  their  deeds.  Only  the  waves  of  the 
Trollhatta  whisper  their  story,  —  waves  that  were 
stained  with  the  blood  of  these  men,  shed  by  white- 
faced  conquerors  who  sailed  across  the  Baltic  in 
clumsy  ships. 

Irresistibly,  uncontrollably,  the  nations  of  Europe 
hurried  onward.  Hymns  of  praise  were  sung  to 
Odin  ;  and  his  descendants  came  down  upon  the 
earth  to  rule  over  Goths  and  Swedes.     They  were 


KARINE. 


the    Ynglings,    and    called    themselves    kings    of 
Upsala.     Their  fame  also  has  perished. 

Again  the  South  brought  forth  a  revolution, 
new  and  world-stirring ;  and  again  the  Baltic  car- 
ried it  northward.  Far  into  the  rocky  fastnesses 
of  the  Sneehattan  flew  the  glad  tidings  of  the  Gospel 
of  Peace ;  and  a  mighty  race,  the  Folkungs,  as- 
cended the  Swedish  throne.  Their  kingdom  grew 
great  and  strong  ;  but  with  it  grew  fierce  ambitions, 
the  lust  of  gain  and  of  power.  Bloody  wars  arose  ; 
and  those  who  held  the  highest  places  in  the 
land  were  flung,  crushed,  into  the  deep,  —  like  the 
foaming  waters  of  Trollhaita. 

Then,  across  the  narrow  belt  of  sea  that  parts 
Sweden  from  Zealand,  came  for  the  first  time  de- 
scendants of  the  Norsemen,  who  upon  these  islands 
had  founded  their  sea-girt  Viking  home.  A  mighty 
hand  had  united  the  Danish  people  ;  and  Sweden, 
shorn  of  its  strength  by  internal  feuds,  fell  an  easy 
prey  to  the  conqueror.  At  Falkoping,  not  far 
from  the  Falls  of  Trollhatta,  the  nation  surrendered 
to  a  woman,  and  Margaret  of  Denmark  laid  victo- 
rious hands  upon  Odin's  descendants. 

Deep  and  angry  sounded  the  waters  of  Trollhatta, 


lO  KARINE. 


proclaiming  at  once  the  victor's  triumph  and 
the  shame  of  the  vanquished.  It  was  then  that 
Karl  Kanutson  grasped  his  sword,  and  cut  asunder 
the  iron  chains  of  Denmark.  But  the  jealous  lords 
who  came  after  him  abolished  royalty.  The  rule 
passed  into  the  hands  of  Sten  Sture,  and  descended 
to  his  son  and  grandson,  who  were  acknowledged 
as  regents  only.  Sweden's  glory  and  greatness 
were  a  delusion,  for  over  it  lay  the  shadow  of  the 
Union  of  Kalmar,  forced  upon  it  by  Margaret, 
and  according  to  which  the  kings  of  Denmark 
might  rightfully  wear  the  crowns  of  Sweden  and 
Norway.  That  heretofore  none  of  her  successors 
had  felt  himself  strong  enough  to  claim  his  right, 
misled  the  short-sighted  Swedish  nobles. 

Again  the  waters  of  Trollhatta  rolled  forth  with 
ominous  thunder-tones ;  this  time,  to  meet  the 
grandson  of  Margaret,  when,  sword  in  hand,  he 
stepped  upon  Swedish  soil,  to  realize  by  force  the 
conditions  of  the  treaty.  After  the  bloody  battle  of 
Brannkyrka,  Christian  II.  fled  before  Sten  Sture. 
But  he  came  again.  Sten  Sture  fell ;  and  the  kind, 
firm  hand,  which,  for  his  country's  weal,  had 
checked  the  stubborn  will  of  its  nobles,  lay  bleed- 


KARINE.  1 1 


ing  in  the  dust.  Laughing,  Christian  11.  reached 
after  the  Swedish  crown,  which  was  more  wilUngly 
surrendered  by  the  lords  to  him  than  to  one  of 
their  own  number.  He  was  crowned  in  the  church 
at  StockhohTi.  Then  he  received  the  Holy  Sacra- 
ment, and  swore  an  oath,  both  to  guard  the  Swedish 
constitution,  and  to  take  no  vengeance  for  the 
past. 

For  three  November  days  there  was  great  re- 
joicing in  the  streets  of  Stockholm.  Night  was 
turned  into  day,  and  in  the  king's  palace  the  lights 
burned  until  sunrise.  There  the  Swedish  nobles 
drained  cup  after  cup  in  honor  of  their  most  cour- 
teous king.  Smiling,  Christian  walked  through 
the  wine-drinking,  joy-bewildered  crowd ;  em- 
braced the  bishops,  kissed  the  councillors,  and 
warmly  pressed  the  hand  of  the  burgomaster  of 
Stockholm.  Then  the  king  clapped  his  hands  and 
sang  a  merry  song  in  honor  of  his  guests. 

Fair  and  lovely  was  that  November  day  in  the 
year  1520.  The  setting  sun  gilded  the  red  roofs 
of  Stockholm,  and  threw  crimson  lights  upon  the 
smooth  surface  of  Malar  Lake.     Deep  peace,  the 


12  KARINE. 


peace  of  the  dying  year,  seemed  to  brood  over 
Sweden's  capital,  the  stihness  contrasting  strangely 
with  the  noisy  merry-making  so  lately  heard  in  the 
streets. 

Even  now,  with  five  times  as  many  inhabitants 
as  then,  the  inland  districts  of  Sweden  are  but 
thinly  settled.  The  lakes,  the  rugged  mountain 
solitudes,  remain  unchanged ;  but  between  them 
lie  broad  acres  of  fertile  land,  which  in  those  days 
was  scarcely  more  than  a  desert.  The  great  lakes, 
the  Malar,  Hjelmar,  and  Wener,  stretch  their 
vast  lengths  from  east  to  west,  almost  the  entire 
width  of  the  land ;  and  southward  lies  the  mighty 
Lake  Wetter.  Between  them,  smiling  valleys  alter- 
nate with  rocky  cliffs ;  sombre  pine-forests  with 
bright  beech-groves ;  over  all,  as  over  the  roofs  of 
the  capital,  lie  the  slanting  rays  of  the  setting  sun, 
mild,  as  with  a  premonition  of  springtime.  It 
shone  upon  the  silent  waters  of  Hjelmar;  upon 
the  long  waves  of  Malar,  which  plashed  gently 
against  the  stone  steps  of  the  palace  at  Stockholm  ; 
upon  pointed  village  spires ;  upon  turrets  and 
battlements  of  lonely  castles,  that  rose  above  the 
shining  waters  and  autumnal  forests ;  farther  west- 


KARINE.  13 

ward,  upon  the  ocean-like  expanse  and  the  count- 
less islands  of  Lake  Wener,  from  whose  southern 
extremity  the  Gota-Elf  rushes  forth  to  meet  the 
Cattegat. 

Then  come  the  Falls  of  Trollhatta. 

The  boatman  upon  Lake  Wener,  when  the  air 
is  still,  can  hear  its  notes  of  warning ;  and  high  up 
in  the  air,  the  startled  birds  suddenly  turn  aside  in 
their  flight.  The  uproar  increases  as  we  approach, 
until  the  ear  is  stunned,  and  the  eye  confusedly 
beholds  the  foaming  mass,  as  it  plunges  over  preci- 
pices into  the  frightful  chasm  below.  A  bed  of 
naked  granite  receives  it.  Walls,  steep-rising  as 
if  built  by  giant  hands,  force  the  wild,  unbridled 
torrent  into  its  narrow  channel.  Here  and  there, 
in  a  cleft  of  the  rock,  a  lonely  tree  has  taken  root, 
and  sways  before  the  evening  wind. 

Over  Lake  Wener  a  breeze  blew  in  gentle  gusts, 
over  the  moss-grown  rocks  at  the  head  of  the 
cataract,  and,  in  passing,  stripped  with  soft, 
invisible  hands  the  last  leaves  from  their  branches. 

Rocky  ground,  scantily  covered  with  moss  and 
heather,  reached  upward  from  the  brink  of  the 
Trollhatta,  a  hundred  feet  or  more,  to  the  barren 


14  KARINE. 


summit,  upon  which  stood  three  soHtary  trees, 
waving  their  leafless  branches  against  the  evening 
sky.  Here  and  there  bare  rocks  rose  from  the 
ground,  shaped  hke  huge  tables  and  rude  seats  of 
giants ;  and  from  one  of  these  a  hand  was 
stretched  forth  to  catch  a  fluttering  leaf,  —  a 
small  hand,  with  fine,  transparent  fingers.  A 
round  white  arm,  as  if  formed  of  luminous  marble, 
was  lifted  up  against  the  horizon.  Was  it  Freya, 
perchance,  come  to  seek  for  Odur,  and  sitting 
upon  the  hoary  giant's  seat?  Was  it  she  of  whom 
the  poets  sang  of  old,  that  in  her  eyes  lay  the  light  of 
eternal  springtime  ?  A  golden  light  seemed  to  come 
from  the  hair  that  fell  from  the  parting  down  to  the 
rugged  stone.  The  setting  sun  threw  its  last  rays 
upon  it  until  one  could  scarcely  distinguish  where 
the  golden  threads  ended  and  the  sun  began.  Who 
was  she?  Had  she  risen  from  the  depths  of  the 
Trollhatta,  to  bathe  her  fair  brow  in  the  rosy  even- 
ing light?  Had  she  grown  cold  down  yonder,  that 
she  needs  must  rise  and  warm  herself  in  the  ruddy 
glow  of  life,  before  a  long  winter  should  bind  her 
fast  in  icy  fetters  ?  Not  so.  Her  hair  might  indeed 
turn  into  liquid  gold,  arms  and  brow  might  harden 


KARINE.  15 


into  gleaming  alabaster;  but  no  gem  lies  hid- 
den in  the  deep  places  of  the  earth  from  which  na- 
ture's magic  could  fashion  such  eyes,  —  eyes  that 
belonged  to  our  world,  and  to  the  northern  sky, 
which  had  lent  them  its  mysterious  light,  its  nameless 
charm  of  mingled  mirth  and  sadness. 

She  rose,  and  the  shadow  of  her  tall  figure  fell 
across  the  torrent.  A  long*  garment  fell  from  her 
half-bared  throat  to  her  feet.  Somewhat  after  the 
fashion  of  a  Grecian  tunic,  it  was  folded  across  the 
bosom,  and  the  girdle  which  confined  it  was  curi- 
ously wrought  in  threads  of  gold  and  silver.  Nar- 
row bands,  passing  over  the  shoulders,  supported 
this  graceful  dress,  and  from  beneath  them  flowed 
sleeves  of  spotless  linen.  No  living  being  besides 
was  in  sight.  The  wind  grew  stronger,  bending 
the  branches  of  the  trees,  and  stirring  the  low 
brushwood  that  grew  along  the  river's  edge.  It 
blew  in  sudden  gusts,  shaking  the  dry  leaves,  and 
as  suddenly  ceased.  Only  in  one  spot  the  motion 
continued.  It  seemed  as  if  an  aspen  were  quiver- 
ing among  the  bushes,  and  moving  down  the  hill- 
side toward  the  river.  But  the  keenest  ear  could 
not  have  heard,  and  none  but  the  most  observant 


1 6  KARINE. 


eye  have  seen  the  motion.  For  a  moment  it 
seemed  as  if  the  young  girl  had  perceived  it.  She 
turned  from  the  sinking  sun,  and  looked  up  the 
stream ;  but  the  fiery  ball  had  blinded  her  eyes, 
and  the  wind,  blowing  from  Lake  Wener,  again 
shook  the  yellow  leaves.  Again  it  brought  some- 
thing, —  not  a  dead  leaf  this  time,  but  a  rare 
butterfly,  with  crimson  spots  upon  its  snow-white 
wings.  Vainly  struggling,  it  was  borne  past  her 
toward  the  water.  For  a  moment  she  hesitated, 
then,  by  a  sudden  impulse,  ran  lightly  down  the 
steep  hillside. 

About  fifty  steps  away,  precisely  where  the 
aspen  at  that  moment  seemed  to  be  trembling 
among  the  bushes,  a  head  was  lifted  above  the 
brown  leaves ;  two  clear  gray  eyes  gazed  with 
dismay  at  the  white  figure,  hurrying  down  the 
dangerous  slope,  and  a  pair  of  strong  arms  parted 
the  branches  so  violently  that  the  crackling  was 
distinctly  audible  by  the  river-side.  But  in  her 
anxiety  to  save  the  butterfly,  the  girl  heard  nothing. 
Again  and  again  she  stretched  out  her  hand  to 
grasp  it ;  but,  fearful  of  hurting  the  delicate  creature, 
the  slender  fingers   missed  their   hold.      Farther 


KARINE.  1 7 


down  it  fluttered,  and  more  dangerous  grew  the 
steep  path.  The  gray  eyes,  which  had  meanwhile 
come  nearer,  saw  the  danger,  —  a  crumbUng  stone, 
a  misstep,  and  she  would  be  carried  down  into  the 
wild  waters.  In  vain  his  loud  and  angry  cry  of 
warning ;  in  vain  her  endeavor  to  save  the  life 
which  the  TroUhatta  seemed  to  draw  with  irresis- 
tible force.  For  a  moment 'the  butterfly  struggled 
against  the  spray,  then  fell  exhausted,  with  folded 
wings,  upon  the  water,  when  the  girl's  outstretched 
hand  caught  and  held  it.  But  at  the  same  time 
the  tuft  of  grass  that  supported  her  yielded 
under  her  knees.  Uttering  a  low  cry,  she  vainly 
reached  behind.  A  great  wave  rolled  toward 
her ;  the  treacherous  grass  sank  more  and  more. 
"  Gustav  !  "  she  cried  in  terror,  "  Gustav  !  " 
"  I  am  here ;  "  and  wildly  the  man  leaped  over 
the  last  bushes,  stumbled,  and  struck  the  ground 
near  the  river's  edge.  But  his  right  hand,  clutch- 
ing the  soil,  held  him,  while  his  left  caught  the 
careless  girl,  dragging  her  with  superhuman 
strength  from  the  perilous  brink.  Aided  by 
his  grasp,  she  quickly  regained  her  footing,  and 
with  wonder  and  gratitude  turned  to  look  at  her 


1 8  KARINE. 


deliverer.  She  half  held  out  her  hand,  but  drew 
it  back  as  she  met  his  look  of  undisguised  ad- 
miration. He  seemed  to  be  about  thirty  years 
old;  his  irregular  but  clearly  cut  features  wore 
an  expression  of  strength  and  energy  foreign  to 
the  usual  Swedish  type.  Dark  hair  fell  carelessly 
over  his  forehead,  and  his  clothing  told  of  fierce 
struggles  with  briers  and  hedges.  At  the  young 
girl's  hesitation,  an  angry,  scornful  look  came  into 
his  face. 

"  Is  your  life  not  worth  the  trouble  of  thanking 
the  preserver  of  it?  "   he  asked. 

His  tone  was  more  annoying  even  than  his 
words.  A  crimson  flush  rose  to  the  cheeks  of 
the  girl.  She  proudly  lifted  her  head  and  an 
equally  caustic  reply  hovered  on  her  lips.  But  in 
a  moment  she  felt  that  in  the  form  and  not 
in  the  words  lay  the  rudeness,  and  that,  indeed, 
had  it  not  been  for  his  strong  arm  she  would 
not  have  been  standing  before  him  at  that  minute, 
so  she  replied,  — 

"  I  thought  you  were  —  " 

He  interrupted  her.  "  You  called  me  :  I  heard 
you ;  and  I  saw  that  without  my  help  you  would 


KARINE.  19 


perish,  —  you  and  the  creature  you  so  fooHshly 
sought  to  save.  You  know  this ;  and  you  know, 
furthermore,  that  according  to  the  custom  of  our 
land  I  have  the  right  to  kiss  your  lips ;  and  that 
I  am  very  forbearing  to  claim  no  other  reward 
than  this."  With  these  words  he  caught  her  hand 
and  kissed  it. 

She  looked  him  calmlj'  in  the  face,  then  cast 
down  her  eyes ;  there  was  something  in  the 
stranger's  manner  that  forbade  resistance.  As 
he  held  her  hand,  she  glanced  down  at  the  other, 
where  the  butterfly  was  carefully  stretching  his 
long  antennae  as  he  crept  from  between  the  shelter- 
ing fingers.  He  made  no  attempt  to  escape ; 
but,  as  if  to  thank  her,  he  spread  his  white  wings 
with  their  crimson  spots.  The  young  man,  observ- 
ing him,  said  curtly,  — 

"  Do  you  not  know  that  fools  who  rush  into 
danger  must  be  allowed  to  have  their  own  way,  and 
that  those  who  would  save  them  only  imperil  their 
own  lives  ?  Who  had  helped  me,  had  I  been  as  fool- 
ish —  as  you?  "  he  broke  off  with  a  harsh  laugh. 

The  girl  shuddered.  Was  it  the  sudden  cool- 
ness of  the  air,  or  the  stranger's  odd  manner,  and 
the  lonely  wilderness? 


20  KARINE. 


"  I  do  not  fear  the  Trollhatta,"  she  rephed  ;  "  I 
have  known  it  since  my  childhood,  and  it  has  never 
done  me  harm." 

"  The  Trollhatta  !  "  he  exclaimed.  "  Is  this 
your  boasted  Trollhatta?  Let  me  look  at  the 
famous  monster  !  "  and  with  a  leap  he  reached 
the  rocky  ledge  that  overhangs  the  precipice. 
He  bent  over  to  look  down  into  the  turbulent 
waters,  until  the  young  girl  cried  out  in  terror. 
Her  voice  failed  to  reach  him ;  but  when  he 
turned  and  saw  her  troubled  face,  he  came  back 
shaking  his  dripping  hair. 

"  This  is  pleasant  to  the  hunted  hare,  when  the 
hounds  are  upon  his  track,"  he  said.  The  girl 
looked  at  him  anxiously ;  she  began  to  doubt  the 
stranger's  sanity.  "  Had  1  fallen  from  yonder 
ledge,  you  would  scarcely  have  cared  to  go  and  see 
what  had  become  of  my  bones.  But  the  hounds 
would  have  lost  the  scent  in  the  water,  and  their 
masters  would  have  rewarded  them  with  blows." 

With  knitted  brows  he  looked  about  him,  then 
suddenly  catching  her  wrist  in  a  strong  grasp,  he 
drew  her  a  few  steps  upward  toward  the  water, 
and,  pointing  to  it,  said  in  a  low  voice,  — 


KARINE.  21 


"  Who  that  could  not  hear,  and  only  saw  it  thus, 
calm  and  transparent,  with  the  sunset  reflected 
upon  its  smooth  surface,  would  believe  that  deeper 
down  the  swift  current  was  already  rushing  onward, 
and  that  whosoever  trusted  it  would  be  carried  away 
and  dashed  to  pieces?  And  yet,  I  tell  you,  your 
TroUhatta  is  a  plaything  compared  to  a  stream  1 
know  of,  —  one  still  more  gentle  and  smiling,  that 
kisses  and  caresses ;  and  those  who  stand  upon  its 
brink  are  deaf  and  blind.  They  do  not  see  the 
abyss  that  opens  before  them,  neither  do  they  hear 
the  thundering  uproar  that  will  drown  their  dying 
screams.  Think  of  me  when  you  hear  of  him. 
His  name  is  —  "  he  had  spoken  rapidly.  "What 
is  your  name?  "  he  interrupted  himself. 

"Katharine  Stenbock,"  she  answered  simply; 
the  name  was  one  of  the  noblest  in  Sweden,  and  its 
effect  upon  the  stranger  was  startling.  He  stepped 
back  in  surprise,  and,  measuring  the  girl  with  his 
eyes,  said  with  more  chivalrous  deference  than 
he  had  hitherto  shown,  — 

"  Truly,  the  blindness  of  our  country  is  infectious, 
or  I  should  have  known  the  Rose  of  the  TroU- 
hatta."     A  strangely  winning  smile  accompanied 


22  KARINE. 


his  words.  "  I  had  formed  a  different  idea  of  your 
beauty,  Karine,  thanks  to  our  poets,  whose  eyes, 
methinks,  are  as  dull  as  their  swords.  I  thank 
you ;  in  saving  your  life,  I  have  at  least  done  one 
thing  worthy  of  immortality." 

Karine  blushed.  She  had  been  mistaken  in 
doubting  the  stranger's  sanity ;  but  her  conscience 
pricked  her  for  listening  to  such  language,  and 
yet  there  was  a  subtle  fascination  in  his  manner 
and  voice.  The  twilight  deepened  ;  the  wind  grew 
stronger,  driving  heavy  clouds  across  Lake  Wener ; 
but  the  young  man  seemed  to  have  forgotten  the 
object  of  his  coming,  and  his  eyes  rested  with  a 
dreamy  light  upon  Karine' s  delicate  profile. 

"  It  is  growing  dark ;  I  must  go  home,"  she 
said  at  last.  He  stood  motionless.  She  took  a 
few  steps,  then  turned.  There  was  something  she 
wished  to  ask,  but  could  not  find  words.  Suddenly 
he  passed  his  hand  over  his  face,  and,  with  the 
old  expression  in  his  eyes  and  voice,  asked 
abruptly,  — 

"  Karine  Stenbock,  has  your  father  gone  to 
Stockholm?" 

She  shook  her  head.     *'  He  was  going,  but  he 


KARINE.  23 


hurt  his  foot,  and  could  not  mount  his  horse.  I 
was  glad." 

"  You  were  glad  ?  Do  you  grudge  him  the  kiss 
of  Christian  of  Denmark?  " 

"  It  is  not  noble  to  accept  an  enemy's  hospi- 
tality, —  nor  wise,"  she  said  slowly. 

The  stranger  came  nearer.  "You  pass  harsh 
judgment  upon  the  nobles  of  our  land.  Do  you 
know  that  your  words  might  cost  you  your  life? 
To-day  Christian  of  Denmark  is  King  of  Sweden ; 
and  if  he  honors  your  father's  house  with  his 
presence,  you  yourself  will  do  obeisance  to  the 
Dove  of  Amsterdam." 

Karine's  head  rose  proudly ;  a  flash  of  angry 
light  broke  from  her  eyes.  "Then  I  should  be 
sorry  that  you  saved  my  life,"  she  said  with  quiv- 
ering lips.  The  stranger's  words  had  opened  the 
flood-gates  of  passionate  feeling  ;  but  she  controlled 
herself,  and  added  in  her  usual  tone,  "I  do  not 
know  who  you  are,  that  think  you  can  intimidate 
a  maiden ;  but  there  are  still  men  in  Sweden  who 
with  their  own  blood  would  save  her  daughters 
from  such  sharrie." 

He  failed  to  perceive  the  question  that  lay  in  her 


24  KARINE. 


words,  and  replied,  "  You  have  a  brave  heart, 
Karine  !  But  do  you  know  one  such  man?  Can 
you  tell  me  his  name?" 

"  And  if  I  knew  but  one,  it  has  chanced  be- 
fore now  that  one  man,  who  was  truly  a  man,  has 
delivered  his  people  from  slavery.  Yes,"  she  con- 
tinued eagerly,  looking  full  into  the  eyes  that  were 
bent  upon  her  in  such  anxious  scrutiny ;  "  and  if 
I  trusted  to  no  other  arm  than  that  of  Gustav 
Erikson  — "  She  paused,  startled  at  his  harsh, 
discordant  laugh,  which  the  rocks  flung  back  a 
hundred  times  multiplied. 

"Do  you  know  Gustav  Erikson,  Karine  Sten- 
bock?  "  he  asked. 

Pained  and  frightened,  she  shook  her  head. 

"  You  are  speaking  from  hearsay,"  he  said,  after  a 
pause.  "  Shall  I  tell  you  what  your  boasted  deliverer 
of  Sweden  is  in  reality?  Like  a  hunted  hare  before 
Danish  bloodhounds,  he  flies  from  land  to  land. 
He  sees  the  slaves  of  Christian  II.  ill-use  women 
and  children,  and  stops  his  ears  to  shut  out  their 
cries.  He  sees  the  misery  of  his  people,  and  has 
no  remedy  save  impotent  curses.  He  is  a  cow- 
ardly rascal,  who  hides  in  ditches  at  night  to  save 


KARINE.  25 


his  wretched  Hfe,  —  a  sparrow,  swearing  vengeance 
against  the  vulture  who  spoiled  his  nest.  He 
starts  when  he  hears  the  clashing  of  iron,  or  the 
creaking  of  dry  branches  in  the  forest."  He  paused, 
and  as  if  to  illustrate  his  words,  suddenly  raised  his 
head  and  listened  attentively.  For  the  space  of  a 
few  seconds  he  remained  in  this  attitude  ;  then  he 
said  quickly,  — - 

"  Karine  Stenbock,  I  must  pass  this  night  in  your 
father's  house.  You  seem  to  think  well  of  Gustav 
Erikson,  —  do  not  be  offended  with  me  ;  my  anger 
was  not  against  him,  but  against  his  hard  fate,  and 
the  fate  of  his  country." 

"  I  have  never  seen  him,"  she  said  gently,  "and 
yet  I  think  I  know  him  better  than  you  do." 

"  You  think  so  ?  Perhaps  you  are  right.  Defend 
him  always,  Karine ;  the  day  may  come  when  he 
will  be  able  to  thank  you.  Truly,  as  I  know  Gustav 
Erikson,  he  would  be  the  man  to  snatch  the  crown 
from  the  head  of  Christian  of  Denmark,  and  lay  it 
at  the  feet  of  Karine  Stenbock,  because  she  believed 
in  him  when  he  despaired  of  himself.  For  this 
reason  I  have  asked  permission  to  pass  the  night 
in  your  father's  house.      Like  Gustav  Vasa,  I  am 


26  KARINE. 


pursued,  and  tracked  by  Danish  bloodhounds  ;  and 
whatever  kindness  you  show  to  me  is  shown  to  one 
who  hates  the  enemies  of  our  people  with  as  bitter 
a  hatred  as  does  Gustav  Vasa."  He  spoke  with 
such  dignity  and  grace  that  Karine  involuntarily 
held  out  her  hand  to  him. 

"  Come,"  she  said  ;  "  although  I  do  not  know  your 
name,  if  you  are  an  enemy  of  Denmark,  you  are 
welcome  in  Gustav  Stenbock's  house." 

The  stranger  exclaimed :  "  Have  these  evil 
times  failed  to  make  you  careful,  Karine?  For 
aught  you  know,  I  may  be  a  spy  of  Christian's, 
sent  here  to  bring  destruction  to  your  house. 
Do  you  not  know  the  king's  threat  against  those 
who  shelter  the  proscribed?  What  matters  it, 
if  one  more  nameless  fugitive  perish,  when  the 
well-being  of  your  household  is  at  stake  ?  I  thank 
you,  Karine,  for  your  goodwill ;  but  I  have  slept 
too  many  nights  under  the  open  sky  to  fear 
another.     Farewell  —  " 

"You  may  know  Gustav  Erikson  better  than 
I,  but  you  surely  do  not  know  Gustav  Stenbock, 
if  you  think  that  fear  could  move  him  to  deny 
aid  to  any  friend  of  Sweden,"  Karine  gravely  inter- 


KAKINE.  27 


rupted  ;  "  and  say  what  you  will,  I  do  not  believe 
that  mistrust  of  one  another  will  bring  back  a 
nation's  freedom,  and  that  —  " 

"And  what,  Karine?"  he  asked. 

"That  if  your  eyes  spoke  false,  little  would  be 
lost  in  Sweden's  freedom  !  "  she  added.  At  her 
words  a  wave  of  joy  swept  through  the  young  man's 
heart.  He  silently  followed  her  up  the  hillside, 
from  whose  summit  she  had  but  lately  watched 
the  setting  sun.  Toward  the  west,  the  sky  was 
still  blue,  and  a  gold-gleaming  girdle  of  hght 
bounded  the  horizon.  From  the  east,  heavy  clouds 
were  approaching,  among  which  blue  lights  darted 
to  and  fro.  The  rocky  slope  was  steep,  and  they 
paused  for  a  moment  at  the  top.  To  the  south, 
east  and  west,  the  view  extended  far  into  the  dark- 
ening landscape.  Northward,  it  was  confined  by 
the  high  TroUhcitta  hills. 

"The  storm  comes  from  Stockholm,"  muttered 
the  stranger.  "  I  knew  it  would  come  ;  the  last  days 
were  too  serene." 

"That  is  our  past;  over  yonder  lies  Sweden's 
future,"  said  Karine,  pointing  to  the  golden  splen- 
dor in  the  west.     He  smiled  bitterly. 


28  KARINE. 


"  But  it  fades  before  our  eyes  ;  and  when  another 
sun  rises,  our  day  is  over."  Angrily  his  foot  struck 
the  ground.  "  Curses  upon  him,"  he  exclaimed, 
"  who  harbors  such  thoughts  ;  and  who  does  not 
gladly  give  his  all  to  restore  the  freedom  of  this 
land ;  and  curses  upon  your  beauty,  Karine,  if  you 
use  it  otherwise  than  to  reward  the  deliverer  of 
Sweden  !  " 

The  first  peal  of  thunder,  low  and  continuous, 
rolled  through  his  angry  words.  Karine,  her 
cheeks  aflame,  hurried  down  the  gentle  slope  that 
led  to  her  home.  Heavy  drops  began  to  fall. 
Before  them  in  the  twilight  lay  a  dense  grove  of 
trees,  —  lindens  with  leafless  limbs,  and  high- 
branching  elms,  still  covered  with  sombre  foliage. 
Through  them  appeared  the  gray  walls  and  tile- 
covered  roof  of  an  old  building. 

"  Is  that  Torpa?  "  the  stranger  asked.  Karine 
nodded.  "  And  your  mother  —  Brita  Rosen  —  is 
she  at  home?  " 

She  looked  up,  astonished.  "  You  seem  to  know 
us ;  and  it  is  but  just  that  I  should  be  able  to  say 
the  same  of  you  when  I  commend  you  to  my 
father's  hospitality." 


KARINE.  29 


"You  are  right,  Karine,"  he  answered  quickly; 
"  my  name  is  Gustav  Folkung ;  and  if  I  may  ask 
still  another  favor  at  your  hands,  it  is  that  you  will 
not  let  your  parents  know  of  our  meeting.  Let 
me  slip  unnoticed  into  a  stable  and  pass  the  night 
upon  the  hay." 

She  repeated  the  name,  "Gustav  Folkung?"  and 
added  musingly,  "  I  have  heard  of  you  ;  you  are 
a  friend  of  Sweden,  as  are  all  who  bear  that  name. 
No ;  there  is  room  to  spare  in  the  house,  and 
only  my  mother  is  at  home." 

"Yes,"  said  Folkung,  more  to  himself  than  to 
his  companion ;  "  they  have  hunted  me  hard  these 
last  days,  and  sleep  would  indeed  be  pleasant. 
Karine,  I  do  not  mistrust  your  household,  but  a 
secret  is  safer  in  one  hand  than  in  two.  Promise 
me,  whatever  happens,  that  you  will  not  betray 
me.  As  you  know,  I  am  very  weary ;  before  the 
day  dawns,  I  shall  be  gone." 

Karine  nodded.  "  I  do  not  know  your  reasons. 
But  you  have  saved  my  life,  and  you  are  the  enemy 
of  our  enemies ;  I  promise  not  to  betray  your 
presence.     Come." 

They  had  reached   the  dense  darkness  of  the 


30  KARINE. 


elms.  The  rain  now  fell  in  torrents  upon  the  trees, 
and  drowned  the  sound  of  their  footsteps.  Karine 
walked  in  silence,  lost  in  thought.  "  It  is  the  only 
safe  plan,"  she  suddenly  murmured,  but  loud  enough 
for  him  to  catch  her  words  and  ask  their  meaning. 
She  hurriedly  explained  that  there  was  one  room 
in  the  house  which  under  no  circumstances  would  be 
entered  at  night,  and  thither  she  would  lead  him. 
Soon  the  mansion  lay  before  them,  wrapped  in 
darkness  ;  only  from  the  ground-floor,  and  from  an 
apartment  in  the  story  above,  there  shone  a  light. 
The  first  burned  in  a  room  near  the  entrance  ;  and 
they  saw  the  sturdy  faces  of  man-servants  and 
maids,  moving  about  the  flickering  oil-lamp. 

Karine  avoided  the  open  door,  and  led  the 
stranger,  through  what  seemed  to  be  a  garden,  to 
the  rear  of  Castle  Torpa.  Here  the  east  wind 
howled  more  fiercely,  dashing  the  heavy  rain-drops 
against  the  wall.  The  keen  ears  of  a  watch-dog 
had  already  caught  the  sound  of  approaching  foot- 
steps, and  he  growled  angrily,  until  Karine  called 
him  by  name.  With  a  joyful  bark,  the  dog  bounded 
toward  his  mistress,  but  growled  again  at  the  sight 
of  the  stranger. 


KARINE.  3 1 


"  Hush,  Bjorn  ;  it  is  a  Swede,  —  no  Dane  ;  "  and 
with  one  more  short  bark,  he  crouched  contentedly 
at  her  side. 

She  then  passed  her  hand  along  the  wall,  pushed 
back  a  heavy  bolt,  and  opened  a  door,  through 
which  they  entered.  This  she  carefully  relocked  ; 
they  ascended  a  dark  flight  of  stairs,  and  groped 
their  way  through  narrow  passages,  until  they 
reached  a  second  door,  to  which  Karine  carried 
the  key.  A  different  air  out  of  the  darkness  met 
Folkung,  recalling  to  him,  in  the  midst  of  bleak 
November  winds,  the  breath  of  spring.  He  had 
scarcely  crossed  the  threshold  when  his  guide 
whispered  hurriedly,  — 

"  I  dare  not  bring  you  a  light,  —  it  would  be- 
tray you,  —  nor  dare  you  make  any  noise;  my 
mother's  room  adjoins  this,  and  her  hearing  is 
very  keen.  My  father  has  gone  to  visit  a  friend, 
and  will  not  return  before  morning.  As  soon  as  I 
can,  I  will  bring  you  food.  Draw  the  bolt  on  the 
inside,  and  do  not  open,  unless  some  one  scratches 
the  door  and  says,  '  Gustav  Vasa.'  Yonder  to  the 
left,"  and  she  hesitated  for  a  moment,  "  you  will 
find  a  bed.     Lie  down  upon  it  and  rest;  only  — 


32 


KAKINE. 


only  —  if  you  would  take  off  your  boots ;  "  and 
before  Folkung  realized  her  meaning,  he  heard 
her  closing  the  door. 

"  Remember  the  bolt,"  she  whispered  from  out- 
side. 

Instead  of  obeying,  he  opened  wide  the  door 
and  stared  into  the  darkness.  "  Karine  !  "  he  called, 
in  a  suppressed  voice ;  but  no  answer  came  to 
him ;  only  the  wind  whistled  through  the  narrow 
passage-way.  The  window  in  the  room  was  open, 
and  the  cold  draught  soon  brought  him  to  his 
senses.  He  closed  the  door,  and  fastened  the 
bolt.  Then  he  stepped  to  the  window,  whose 
outlines  were  dimly  defined  against  the  surround- 
ing blackness,  and  tried  to  calculate,  as  he  felt  the 
rain  beating  in  his  face,  how  high  he  might  be  from 
the  ground.  He  heard  the  glad  barking  of  the  dog, 
coming  from  the  garden,  and  growing  fainter  as  it 
approached  the  front  of  the  house,  clearly  indicat- 
ing the  road  the  young  girl  had  taken. 

" '  Gustav  Vasa '  is  to  be  the  pass-word,  she 
says,"  he  murmured.  "She  had  better  have  said, 
Gustav  Erikson  is  a  fool,  who  has  lost  his  wits 
since  he  held  a  woman's  hand  in  his."    He  left  the 


KARINE.  33 


window,  and,  groping  with  his  hands,  began  to 
examine  the  room.  The  house  was  strongly  built 
and  well  secured  against  wind  and  weather.  Tall 
carved  chests  of  drawers  stood  in  the  corners.  He 
felt  something  smooth,  like  the  wooden  surface 
of  a  door ;  at  the  same  time  a  ray  of  light  fell 
through  a  crevice,  and  he  heard  a  well-known 
voice.     Folkung  stopped  to  listen. 

"  Good-evening,  mother,"  Karine  said. 

"You  were  gone  a  long  time,"  her  mother 
answered.  "  I  believe  it  is  growing  dark."  The 
speaker  was  blind. 

"  It  is  night,  mother,"  the  girl  replied,  "  and 
stormy.  I  went  to  the  Trollhatta,  and  there  I 
saved  the  life  of  the  last  butterfly.  You  know  it, 
—  with  the  red  stars  on  its  wings,  that  flutters 
about  the  heights  of  Kinnekulle.  He  tried  to  fly 
over  the  Trollhatta,  and  fell  into  the  water ;  but  I 
saved  him,  and  since  then  he  has  rested  quietly  on 
my  hand." 

Every  word  reached  Folkung  through  the  door, 
and,  tired  as  he  was,  he  could  not  bring  himself 
to  leave  his  post.  He  heard  the  matron  sigh,  as 
she  said,  — 

3 


34  KARINE. 


"  It  were  better  for  him  had  you  left  him  to  his 
fate.  Evil  days  are  drawing  near,  —  I  feel  it  in 
my  eyes,  — days  that  will  destroy  what  has  hither- 
to been  saved.  Read  to  me,  Karine,  from  the 
book  I  used  to  read  to  you  when  you  were  a 
child.  Turn  to  the  twelfth  page,  and  read  about 
the  bard  who  sang  of  his  forefathers'  brave  deeds, 
but  could  not  praise  those  of  his  own  generation. 
He  was  blind,  and  in  his  grief  he  dashed  his  harp 
against  the  rocks  of  the  Trollhatta." 

The  listener  heard  the  girl  walk  across  the 
room.  He  softly  groped  his  way  back  to  the 
window ;  but  in  the  darkness  his  hand,  passing 
over  a  table,  struck  an  object,  which  fell  to  the 
floor  with  a  loud  crash.  He  reached  the  bed,  and 
flung  himself  upon  it ;  then  he  heard  the  woman's 
voice,  — 

"  Is  Bjorn  in  your  room,  Karine?  I  heard  some- 
thing fall.     Let  Ingeborg  take  a  light,  and  see." 

The  maid,  who  was  sitting  silent  in  a  corner, 
rose,  and  reached  after  a  candle ;  but  Karine  said 
quickly,  — 

"  Stay,  Bjorn  is  outside ;  but  my  window  is 
open,  and  the  wind  rushes  in.     I  need  no  light." 


KARINE.  35 


She  entered  the  room,  leavhig  the  door  open  be- 
hind her,  and  closed  the  window.  The  hght  from 
a  massive  and  curiously  wrought  copper  lamp  fell 
into  the  chamber;  and  Folkung  looked  into  the 
face  of  the  woman  who  sat  in  an  armchair  by  the 
table,  gazing  into  vacancy.  Around  her  forehead, 
high  and  finely  arched,  like  her  daughter's,  clus- 
tered thickly  her  snowy  hair.  But  her  arms,  bare 
to  the  elbows,  after  the  fashion  of  her  time,  were 
round  and  white,  and  she  was  of  a  proud  and 
majestic  appearance.  Folkung  could  not  take  his 
eyes  from  her  face,  and  he  whispered  to  himself,  — 

"  You  have  grown  old,  Brita  Stenbock  ;  you  were 
a  beautiful  woman  in  the  olden  days,  when,  in  Sten 
Sture's  house,  I  climbed  up  upon  your  knee,  and 
tore  from  your  neck  John  of  Denmark's  chain  of 
honor." 

He  was  silent,  for  Karine  approached.  Her 
dress  touched  him  in  passing,  and  involuntarily  he 
caught  it,  to  detain  her.  He  whispered  her  name 
and  pressed  the  fold  of  her  dress  to  his  lips. 
But  with  a  gentle  effort  she  freed  herself,  and,  re- 
turning to  her  mother,  said  laughing,  "  The  storm 
will  make  no  more  noise,"  and  closed  the  door. 


36  KARINE. 


"  We  became  acquainted  an  hour  ago,  —  the  storm 
and  I,"  she  explained. 

Mistress  Stenbock  shrugged  her  shoulders. 
"  Have  you  been  gossiping  with  the  earth-men 
by  the  TroUhatta,  that  you  speak  so  foolishly? 
Read  on.  The  storm  does  not  seem  to  heed 
your  wishes  :  it  grows  more  violent ;  I  feel  it  in 
my  shoulder.  I  wish  your  father  were  at  home, 
or  at  least  Gustav  —  " 

Folkung  heard  no  more.  He  lay  in  a  half- 
slumber,  while  troubled  thoughts  wandered  through 
his  brain.  Outside,  the  wind  shrieked  and  roared, 
and  now  and  then  Bjorn  gave  vent  to  his  discom- 
fort in  a  prolonged  howl.  Suddenly  he  awoke 
with  a  start,  and  gazed  confusedly  about  him. 
The  darkness  was  gone,  and  the  room  was  flooded 
with  light.  At  first  he  was  bewildered ;  then  he 
perceived  that  the  moon  was  shining  in  at  the 
window.  But  it  was  not  the  light  that  had 
wakened  him  ;  a  sound,  or  rather,  a  succession  of 
sounds,  had  startled  his  ear.  A  noise,  like  the 
rolling  of  thunder,  approached  from  a  distance, 
grew  louder,  and  suddenly  ceased.  The  secret 
guest  of  Castle  Torpa  strained  his   ear  to  listen. 


KARINE.  37 


Now  he  heard  the  neighing  of  horses,  and  the 
hurried  tread  of  men's  feet  upon  the  broad  stair- 
case. 

The  door  of  the  apartment,  where  sat  the  women 
of  the  Stenbock  family,  was  flung  open ;  and  a 
man,  broad-shouldered,  and  of  gigantic  propor- 
tions, crossed  the  threshold.  Grizzled,  storm- 
tangled  locks  hung  about  his  bare  forehead ;  his 
lips  trembled  from  emotion,  and  from  the  pain 
in  his  injured  foot.  His  cloak  had  dropped  from 
his  shoulder,  behind  which  was  seen  the  fair  head 
of  a  young  man,  whose  eyes  eagerly  sought  Karine. 

"  Father  !  "  she  cried,  starting  from  her  seat  in 
surprise,  which  a  second  glance  turned  into  alarm. 
"  What  has  happened  to  you,  father?  " 

"To  me?"  Gustav  Stenbock  clutched  his 
throat,  as  if  to  aid  his  reluctant  speech;  but  no 
sound  passed  his  lips. 

"  For  God's  sake,  Gustav,  what  has  happened  ?  " 
Karine  repeated,  turning  to  the  youth,  who  now 
stood  by  her  side.  He,  too,  was  speechless ;  his 
clothing  was  drenched,  and  covered  with  a  thick 
coat  of  mire.  He  trembled  with  excitement  and 
weariness.     A  momentary  silence  lay  upon  them 


38  KARINE. 


all.  It  was  broken  by  the  voice  of  the  mistress, 
who  had  risen,  and,  bending  her  head,  asked,  — 

"Who  came  with  Stenbock?  Is  it  Gustav 
Rosen?" 

"  Yes,  mother,"  said  Karine,  whose  face  was 
hidden  upon  his  breast,  while  with  tender  haste 
he  kissed  her  cheek  and  brow. 

Stenbock  had  flung  his  wet  cloak  upon  the  floor, 
and  beckoned  the  youth  with  an  angry  motion  of 
the  hand,  — 

"  Speak,  Rosen  ;  tell  them  all,  —  as  you  told 
it  to  me." 

Gustav  Rosen  gently  loosened  Karine's  encircling 
arms  and  approached  Mistress  Stenbock. 

"  Be  seated,  aunt,"  he  said,  taking  her  hand, 
and  leading  her  to  her  chair.  "  I  bring  you  a 
greeting  from  Christian  of  Denmark." 

His  words  died  away  in  the  large  room.  The 
door  by  which  the  two  men  had  entered  stood 
open ;  and  the  men-servants,  with  anxious  faces, 
crowded  round  their  master.  It  was  still  as  death ; 
only,  outside  Bjorn  howled  dismally.  Brita  Sten- 
bock asked  sharply, — 

"Why  do  you  hesitate,  Gustav  Rosen?     Sten- 


KARINE.  39 


bock's  women  must  be  men,  when  Sweden's  men 
conduct  themselves  as  women.  What  message  do 
you  bring  from  Christian  of  Denmark?  The  clasp 
of  his  hand  is  treason,  and  his  greeting  is  death." 

"You  speak  true,  Brita,"  replied  the  youth. 
He  grasped  Karine's  hand,  and  held  it  in  his  own. 
"  Last  evening  I  rode  out  of  Stockholm,"  he  con- 
tinued with  quivering  lips.  "  Near  Lake  Wetter 
I  met  your  father." 

Again  the  blind  woman  sprang  from  her  seat. 
"  You  deceived  us,  Stenbock?  You  were  going  to 
Christian  of  Denmark?"  she  exclaimed  bitterly. 

With  a  muttered  oath,  Stenbock  threw  down 
his  sword.     The  young  man  hastened  to  explain. 

"  I  told  him  that  all  the  lords  had  followed 
the  king's  bidding,  and  I  feared  he  might  pay 
dearly  for  his    refusal." 

"  The  nobles  of  Sweden  are  cowards  and  trai- 
tors," cried   the  blind  woman. 

"  You  are  unjust,  Brita  Stenbock,"  replied  the 
young  man  ;  "  they  of  whom  you  speak  are  deaf  to 
praise  or  blame.  Since  last  evening,  the  nobility 
of  Sweden  has  ceased  to  exist ;  and  the  Malar  is  red 
with  their  blood.     Whoever  feasted  at  Stockholm 


40  KARINE. 


with  the  Danish  king,  has  paid  for  the  banquet 
with  his  Hfe.  Christian  of  Denmark  has  beheaded 
the  entire  nobility  of  Sweden." 

Whence  did  it  come?  A  sudden  shrill,  discor- 
dant laugh  rang  through  the  silence  that  followed 
the  last  words.  The  speaker  paused  and  looked 
around ;  Karine's  hand  trembled,  and  her  face 
grew  pale.  Stenbock's  eye  ran  searchingly  over 
the  heads  of  his  retainers,  who,  as  was  the  custom 
in  Sweden,  had  gathered  in  the  family  room. 

"  Who  laughs  at  Sweden's  downfall?  "  he  asked, 
with  a  threatening  frown.  No  one  answered. 
Karine  stepped  forward,   and  said,  — 

"  It  only  sounded  like  laughter,  father.  It  must 
have  been  the  storm." 

Rosen  glanced  toward  the  door  that  led  into 
Karine's  room.  "  It  seerced  to  come  from  within 
there,"  he  said.     "What  is  it,  Ingeborg?" 

The  girl  had  also  turned  toward  the  door. 
"  There  was  a  strange  noise  in  there  before  you 
came,  Herr  Rosen ;  but  Mistress  Katharine  had 
courage,   and  went  in." 

The  youth  went  nearer,  but  Karine  detained  him. 
"  Ingeborg  is  a  silly  girl  who  believes  in  ghosts," 


KARINE.  41 


she  said,  catching  his  arm  and  gently  drawing 
him  away. 

As  if  struck  by  lightning,  Brita  Stenbock  had 
sunk  back  in  her  chair,  covering  her  face  with  her 
hands.  She  had  not  heeded  the  interruption. 
She  lifted  her  head ;  and  her  face  seemed  turned 
to   stone,  as  with  unfaltering  voice   she  asked  : 

"  Who  were  beheaded,  Gustav  Rosen  ?  Tell  me 
their  names." 

"  Ask  me  who  have  escaped,  and  it  will  be  easier 
to  answer  you,"  he  replied.  "  They  are  here,  — 
your  husband  —  and  myself." 

A  strange  expression  flitted  about  Brita  Sten- 
bock's  lips.  "  You  too  were  in  Stockholm,  Rosen. 
How  is  it  that  you  did  not  share  the  fate  of  the 
Swedish  lords?" 

"  I  escaped  by  a  lucky  accident,"  he  returned, 
with  embarrassment,  avoiding  Karine's  wistful, 
scrutinizing  eyes. 

The  mistress  of  the  house  repeated  his  last 
words  :  "  By  a  lucky  accident !  Rejoice,  Karine  ; 
otherwise  Rosen's  head  would  be  lying  with  the 
heads  of  the  brave  Swedish  nobles."  In  an  icy 
tone  she  continued,  "  And  is  no  one  left  in  whom 


42  KARINE. 


Sweden  may  trust,  save  Stenbock  and  —  yourself?  " 
The  tone  of  her  words  roused  Stenbock,  who  had 
stood  lost  in  sad  and  bitter  thoughts.  He  said 
angrily,  — 

"  I  think,  Brita,  this  is  not  the  time  to  recall 
past  wrongs.  You  speak  without  reason.  Has 
Gustav  Rosen  injured  you  by  saving  me?  Has 
he  done  Christian  of  Denmark  a  service  in  pre- 
venting him  from  laying  my  head  among  the 
rest?" 

"  Mother  !  "  exclaimed  Karine  ;  but  her  mother 
continued,  with  voice   and  features   unchanged : 

"  I  asked  you,  Rosen,  whether  any  others  had 
escaped." 

The  youth  must  have  had  good  reasons  for 
controlling  himself,  chief  among  them  being  the 
beautiful  girl  by  his  side ;  for  he  spoke  more 
calmly  than  the  others. 

"  I  believe  that  Gustav  Erikson  is  the  only 
one  who  escaped ;  or  rather,  who  did  not  go 
to   Stockholm.     The   fox  scented   the  trap  — " 

"Speak  reverently  of  Gustav  Vasa,  boy,"  cried 
the  woman,  in  a  voice  that  suddenly  silenced  the 
speaker. 


KARINE.  43 


"  Gustav  Erikson,"  she  repeated  musingly; 
''  he  was  but  a  child  when  he  taught  me  what 
befits  a  Swedish  woman.  While  he  lives,  nothing 
is  lost." 

She  raised  her  head,  and  turned  her  sightless 
eyes  toward  the  young  man. 

"  I  do  not  wish  to  pain  you,  Gustav  Rosen," 
she  continued  ;  "  but  hitherto  you  have  been  a 
boy.  The  time  has  come  for  you  to  prove  whose 
blood  flows  in  your  veins,  —  your  fother's,  or  the 
Danish  blood  of  your  mother." 

Karine  cast  a  satisfied  glance  upon  her  betrothed. 

"  Gustav  has  a  true  Swedish  heart,  mother,  — 
as  true  as  yours  and  mine  ;  as  my  father's  and 
Gustav  Vasa's,"  she  said.  "  But  it  is  growing 
late ;  you  should  go  to  rest,  and  to-morrow  con- 
sider what  can  be   done." 

Stenbock  shook  his  head.  "  To-morrow  it  may 
be  too  late  ;    Christian  is  swift  as  the  plague." 

Rosen  assented.  "  A  command  has  been  is- 
sued to  search  the  country  for  those  whose  names 
stand  upon  the  list  of  the  executioner  Slaghok. 
It  was  at  his  instigation  that  Archbishop  Trolle 
made  the  accusations  —  " 


44  KARINE. 


"  God's  curse  upon  the  traitor  — "  Brita  Sten- 
bock's  passionate  exclamation  was  followed  by  a 
howl  from  Bjorn,  fiercely  barking,  as  he  bounded 
up  the   stairs. 

"  All  the  senators,  two  bishops,  the  burgomaster 
and  councillors  of  Stockholm  were  executed,"  Rosen 
continued  excitedly.  "  The  gates  were  suddenly 
closed,  and  the  streets  filled  with  Danish  soldiers 
who  had  been  brought  into  the  town  at  night. 
Whoever  witnessed  the  executions,  and  was  heard 
to  utter  a  word  of  sympathy  or  reproach,  was 
immediately  seized  and  made  to  share  the  same 
fate.  Upon  his  knees  Archbishop  Trolle  besought 
the  king  to  execute  the  Pope's  ban  against  the 
prisoners —  " 

Loud  words  and  the  clashing  of  arms  inter- 
rupted Rosen.  Bjorn  dashed  into  the  room,  whin- 
ing, and,  with  eyes  sparkling,  sprang  upon  Karine. 
A  servant,  following  in  breathless  haste,  exclaimed, 
"  Master,  hide  yourself.  The  Danes  have  come  to 
seek  you,  and  we  are  too  few  to  resist  them." 

Stenbock's  mighty  form  rose  proudly.  He 
grasped  the  hilt  of  his  sword,  and  with  a  firm, 
loud  voice  replied,  — 


KARINE.  45 


"  Why  should  I  flee  from  my  own  house  ?  I 
have  committed  no  crime." 

At  the  same  moment  a  Danish  officer,  a  drawn 
sword  in  his  hand,  entered  the  room,  followed  by 
a  number  of  soldiers  armed  with  halberds.  So 
sudden  was  their  appearance  that,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  master,  none  had  overcome  the  first 
feeling  of  angry  surprise.  It  had  kindled  a  ghastly 
light  in  Brita  Stenbock's  sightless  eyes,  which  turned 
with  a  look  of  deadly  hate  toward  the  intruders. 
Karine's  heart  beat  loudly ;  and  her  eyes  rested 
with  feverish  anxiety  upon  the  door  that  led  to  her 
chamber,  while  Gustav  Rosen  slipped  into  one  of 
the  deep  window-recesses,  turning  his  flushed  face 
toward  the  darkness  without.  Ingeborg,  the  maid, 
sat  in  her  corner,  hiding  her  face  and  loudly  lament- 
mg.  Bjorn  kept  his  sparkling  eyes  fixed  upon  the 
Danes,  and,  with  a  low  growl,  threw  himself  upon 
the  floor  near  the  door  of  his  mistress'  room. 

The  Danish  captain,  after  a  searching  glance 
through  the  apartment,  approached  the  master  of 
the  house,  who  stood  calmly  awaiting  him. 

"Gustav  Stenbock?"  he  asked  abruptly. 

Stenbock  nodded  without  changing  his  position. 


46  KARINE. 


''His  Majesty,  King  Christian  II.  of  Sweden, 
sends  you  this  message  :  he  deeply  regrets  that 
you  disdained  his  invitation  to  Stockholm,  but 
he  is  willing  to  forget  that  you  have  grieved  him 
by  your  absence,  and  his  clemency  is  content  to 
lay  no  heavier  punishment  upon  your  disobedi- 
ence than  to  forbid  you,  at  the  peril  of  your  life, 
to  leave  your  estates,  until  he  himself  shall  be 
pleased   to  grant  you  permission." 

Stenbock  breathed  hard.  "  No  man  has  the 
right  to  imprison  a  nobleman  of  Sweden  without 
sentence  of  Parliament,"  he  answered. 

The  officer  turned  indifferently  from  him  to  the 
servants  of  the  house,  from  whose  ranks  a  sullen 
murmur  had  followed  his  words. 

"  It  is  the  will  of  his  Majesty  that  any  resist- 
ance be  immediately  punished.  Put  the  rebel  in 
chains  and  carry  him  to  Stockholm,"  he  com- 
manded, pointing  to  one  of  Stenbock's  servants. 
The  soldiers  seized  the  unfortunate  man,  none  of 
whose  fellow-servants  dared  come  to  his  assist- 
ance ;  but  Stenbock  clutched  convulsively  the  hilt 
of  his  sword.  The  captain,  observing  his  move- 
ment, continued,  — 


KARINE.  47 


"  His  Majesty  will  be  rejoiced  to  hear  how 
faithful  and  obedient  a  servant  he  possesses 
in  you,  Master  Stenbock.  He  has  no  doubt 
that  you  refuse  to  harbor  treasonable  fugitives, 
upon  whose  head  a  price  is  set.  Nevertheless, 
I  have  strict  orders  to  search  every  dwelling 
in  this  neighborhood ;  and  I  regret  that  I  cannot, 
at  this  late  hour,  spare  you  the  inconvenience. 
Begin  with  the  adjoining  room,"  he  added,  turn- 
ing to  his  men. 

But  Stenbock's  power  of  self-control  was  ex- 
hausted. Heedless  of  his  injured  foot,  with 
one  leap  he  sprang  before  the  mercenaries, 
and,  drawing  his  sword,  barred  their  way  to  the 
door. 

"Tell  Christian  of  Denmark,"  he  cried,  "that 
he  may  well  regret  not  having  been  able  to  lay  my 
head  among  those  of  the  other  Swedish  lords  ;  and 
I  still  more  regret  that  he  is  not  present  at  this 
moment  instead  of  his  satellites,  that  I  might  re- 
quite the  hospitalities  of  Stockholm." 

These  words  were  spoken  with  bitter  scorn,  and 
accompanied  by  a  hissing  flourish  of  his  sword. 
The  soldiers  started  back,  and  gazed  in  dismay  at 


48  KARINE. 


the  gray,  herculean  figure.  The  Danish  captain 
frowned,  and  the  heavy  veins  upon  his  forehead 
grew  purple  in  his  rage.  He  beckoned  to  the  hal- 
berdiers who  stood  behind  him,  and  said  in  an 
imperious  tone,  — 

"  Your  life  were  forfeited,  Gustav  Stenbock,  were 
I  to  use  my  full  powers.  In  the  name  of  King 
Christian,  —  give  place." 

The  halberds  moved  forward  in  a  serried  line, 
but  Stenbock  stood  motionless.  Then,  with  a  look 
of  proud  satisfaction,  he  threw  his  arm  around  his 
daughter,  who  had  flown  to  his  side  and  stood 
as  unflinchingly  as  the  old  man  himself.  But  the 
iron  blades  never  paused.  They  were  accustomed 
to  blood ;  and  in  the  fierce  wars  of  conquest  and 
destruction  which  the  Danish  monarch  had  waged 
against  Sweden,  Karine's  would  not  have  been  the 
first  woman's  breast  they  pierced.  Not  a  muscle 
moved  in  the  captain's  hard  face ;  only  a  few 
seconds  more,  and  the  glittering  lances  would  have 
cleared  the  way  to  the  door. 

But  there  was  another  person  present  who  had 
been  a  silent  witness  of  the  scene,  watching  with 
growing  uneasiness  the  progress  of  events.     At  the 


KARINE.  49 

entrance  of  the  Danes,  Rosen's  embarrassment  and 
his  evident  desire  to  escape  notice  had  been  un- 
mistakable. He  had  heard  in  silence  the  dis- 
pute between  Stenbock  and  the  captain  ;  a  tremor 
shook  his  frame  when  he  saw  Karine's  sudden 
movement  to  her  father's  side.  He  was,  no  doubt, 
too  well  acquainted  with  the  intruders  to  hope 
that  they  would  desist  from  their  purpose. 

"Hold!"  Gustav  Rosen  suddenly  shouted, 
throwing  himself  between  Karine  and  the  sol- 
diers, who  paused,  startled  by  the  suddenness  of 
his  appearance.  The  captain  turned  and  rudely 
asked, — 

"  Who  are  you  ?     What  do  you  want?  " 

The  young  man  told  his  name,  and  in  a  low 
tone  added  some  words  in  Danish,  at  which  the 
officer's  manner  suddenly  changed.  He  un- 
covered his  head,  and  hastily  beckoned  his  men 
to  step  back.     Then  he  began, — 

"  Your  pardon,  sir ;  I  had  no  suspicion  of  your 
presence  here.  I  pray  you  will  assure  his 
Majesty — " 

Rosen  interrupted  him.  "  This  lady  is  my  be- 
trothed, and  it  is  her  room  which  you  bade  your 

4 


50  KARINE. 


men  enter.  You  will  understand  Master  Sten- 
bock's  refusal ;  and  my  word  of  honor  is  scarcely 
needed  to  convince  you  that  no  one  is  concealed 
there." 

The  captain  looked  embarrassed.  "  Excuse 
me,  Herr  Rosen,"  he  answered,  with  hesitation; 
"  but    my  orders —  " 

Gustav  Rosen  frowned,  but  after  a  moment's 
reflection  he  replied,  "  You  are  right ;  your  orders 
must  be  obeyed.  You  will  doubtless  be  content 
if  I  take  upon  myself  your  office,  so  as  to  satisfy 
the  letter  of  the  king's  command."  The  young 
man  spoke  with  unwonted  energy  and  defiance, 
and  the  officer  silently  bowed  assent,  his  iTianner 
expressing  a  fear  that  he  had  gone  too  far  in  insist- 
ing upon  his  demand.  He  endeavored  to  repair 
his  mistake  by  taking  a  position  so  remote  from 
Karine's  room  that  neither  his  eyes  nor  his  ears 
could  take  any  part  in  the  search. 

Stenbock  now  began  to  realize  the  danger  into 
which  he  was  about  to  plunge  himself  and  his 
family ;  he  stepped  aside,  leaving  the  door  free, 
upon  whose  latch  Rosen  laid  his  hand. 

"Forgive  me,  Karine,"  he  said,  looking  around; 


KAKINE.  51 


"you  know —  "  but  Karine  no  longer  stood  beside 
him.  In  the  confusion  caused  by  his  sudden 
appearance,  she  had  sHpped  away  unnoticed. 
She  hurried  through  the  long  dark  passages 
until  she  reached  the  door  by  which  Folkung 
had  been  admitted.  In  breathless  haste,  she 
shook  it  violently,  then,  remembering,  she  gently 
scratched  the  wood,  and  whispered,  "  Gustav 
Vasa." 

The  door  opened  immediately,  and  the  fugitive 
stood  before  her  in  the  bright  moonlight. 

"You  gave  me  your  word,  Karine,  and  Gustav 
Vasa   waited." 

"  Come  quickly,"  she  urged,  not  heeding  his 
words,  and  hurried  him  through  the  narrow  gallery 
by  which  they  had  entered.  At  the  same  moment 
Gustav  Rosen  opened  the  opposite  door,  and 
Bjorn  bounded  into  the  chamber.  Rosen  stood 
upon  the  threshold,  and  to  allay  all  suspicion  called 
Ingeborg  to  bring  him  a  light. 

"  Do  not  go  in  alone,  Herr  Rosen,"  she  pleaded  ; 
as  with  trembling  hands  she  lighted  the  candle, 
"  all  is  not  as  it  should  be  in  there." 

In  the  hall  clanked  the  footsteps  of  the  Danish 


52  KARINE. 


soldiers,  setting  out  upon  their  search.  Ingeborg 
retreated  to  her  corner;  and  Rosen,  shading  the 
flickering  Hght  with  his  hand,  looked  carefully 
about  him.  Suddenly  he  stopped  short,  as  if 
rooted  to  the  spot.  Bjorn  stood  erect  beside 
Karine's  bed,  eagerly  sniffing  the  air.  The  silken 
pillows  hung  to  the  ground  ;  the  soft  couch  was 
crushed,  as  if  by  a  heavy  weight,  and  the  snowy 
linen  was  stained  with  damp  clay. 

Half  stupefied,  he  stared  before  him.  Ingeborg's 
warning,  the  harsh  laughter,  Karine's  assurance, 
"  Believe  me,  it  is  the  wind,"  as  she  gently  forced 
him  away,  and  finally,  her  mysterious  disappear- 
ance, —  all  crowded  in  bewildering  confusion 
through  his  brain.  The  light  from  his  candle  fell 
upon  the  floor ;  the  wet  tracks  of  a  man's  iron- 
heeled  boot  crossed  each  other  to  and  fro, 
coming  from  the  outer  door  and  leading  back  to 
it.  Bjorn  scented  them,  and,  springing  against 
the  door,  which  Karine  had  forgotten  to  fasten,  it 
yielded,  and  the  dog  darted  silently  through  the 
dark  gallery.  Gustav  Rosen  drew  his  sword,  and 
rushed  after  him.  Above  him  and  around  him, 
he  heard  the  footsteps  of  the  Danes,  intent  upon 


KARINE.  53 


their  search ;  and,  confused  by  the  strange  sugges- 
tions surging  through  his  mind,  he  cried,  "''This 
way  !    this  way  !  " 

Karine  led  the  stranger  by  the  same  road  they 
had  taken  before,  but  instead  of  opening  the  door 
by  which  they  had  entered,  she  passed  her  hand 
along  the  wall  until  she  found  another.  "  You  dare 
not  venture  into  the  garden,"  she  whispered  ;  "  the 
house  is  surrounded."  The  hinges  of  the  heavy 
door  creaked,  as  it  swung  open.  "  Descend 
twelve  steps  —  you  must  count  them  —  then  turn 
to  the  left,  and  a  subterranean  passage  will  lead 
you  to  the  TroUhatta,  near  the  spot  where  you  met 
me  to-day.  Shrubbery  and  a  large  stone  conceal 
the  opening.  Make  haste  !  I  hear  them  coming 
—  the  God  of  Sweden  keep  you — make  haste  !  " 
she  repeated  anxiously. 

"  You  know  not  what  you  ask,  Karine,"  he 
answered  passionately  ;  "  what  matters  it  to  Sweden, 
or  to  myself,  if  they  find  me  here  and  strike  me 
dead  at  your  feet?" 

A  gleam  of  light  shone  upon  them  from  above. 

"You  are  mad!"  Karine  gasped,  endeavoring 
with  both  hands   to  force  him  through  the  door. 


54  KARINE. 


But  her  strength  was  nothing  compared  to  his. 
He  clasped  her  in  his  arms,  and  whispered, — 

"  Give  me  one  kiss,  Karine,  and  I  will  save 
myself  and  save  Sweden.  If  you  refuse,  I  sur- 
render myself  to  the  Danes."  The  girl  struggled 
to  free  herself,  then  cried  out,  "  Bjorn !  help 
me,  Bjorn ! "  as  the  dog  came  running  toward 
her,  wagging  his  bushy  tail.  But  he  was  too 
late.  With  a  cry  of  anger  and  dismay,  she  broke 
away ;  the  light  shone  round  the  corner,  and  at 
the  head  of  the  short  flight  of  steps  stood  Gustav 
Rosen. 

"  Thank  God,  it  is  my  betrothed  !  "  she  cried. 
Upon  the  fugitive,  the  effect  of  her  words  was 
startling.  For  a  moment  he  staggered,  as  though 
he  had  received  a  blow ;  then  he  sprang  toward 
her. 

"You  are  betrothed  to  another,  Karine  Sten- 
bock?" 

The  same  harsh  laugh  which  had  so  lately  in- 
terrupted Gustav  Rosen's  tale  accompanied  his 
words.  At  the  sound  of  his  voice,  the  latter  sprang 
down  the  steps,  and  the  light  from  his  candle 
flashed  full  in  Folkung's  face. 


KARINE.  5  5 


'' Gustav  —  "exclaimed  the  youth,  and  his 
trembling  hand  lifted  his  sword  to  strike.  But 
Karine  caught  his  arm,  and  with  lightning-like 
suddenness  the  fugitive's  hand  lay  upon  his  lips, 
cutting  short  his  exclamation. 

"  You  utter  my  name  at  the  peril  of  your  life, 
Gustav  Rosen,"  he  said,  in  a  tone  so  commanding 
that  the  youth  shrank  before  his  flaming  eyes. 
"  You  have  brought  good  tidings ;  the  reaper  must 
needs  cut  down  the  tares  with  his  bloody  sickle, 
before  the  harvest  of  the  future  may  ripen.  Fare- 
well, Rose  of  the  TroUhatta ;  I  will  keep  my 
promise." 

Rosen  looked  up,  astonished  ;  the  speaker  had 
vanished.  Only  the  creaking  of  the  heavy  iron- 
mounted  door  told  whither  he  had  gone.  Other, 
louder  steps  now  came  hurrying  through  the  gallery. 
Karine  took  the  light  from  the  hand  of  her  lover, 
who,  leaning  against  the  wall,  rested  his  weary  blue 
eyes  upon  her  face. 

"  It  was  well  that  you  came,  Gustav,"  she  said 
gratefully. 

"  Oh  !  Karine,  had  I  not  come  —  had  I  never 
come  !  "  The  Danish  captain,  followed  by  his  men, 
appeared  on  the  stairs. 


56  KARINE. 


"  You  called,  Herr  Rosen?  "  he  asked  politely. 

"  It  was  nothing ;  Bjorn  scented  a  wolf,  prowling 
about  the  place  \ "  and  he  pointed  to  the  dog,  who 
again  showed  displeasure  at  the  sight  of  the 
soldiers. 

"We  also  have  discovered  nothing,"  returned 
the  officer,  with  a  respectful  inclination.  "  I  beg 
that  you  will  intercede  for  me  with  the  lady.  It 
did  not  enter  into  ray  mind  to  entertain  suspicion ; 
but  duty,  you  know  —  " 

"  I  should  not  have  prevented  you  from  ful- 
filling it  in  person,"  Rosen  interrupted  him. 
"  Should  a  similar  case  again  occur,  I  will  not 
interfere,  I  give  you  my  word."  With  another 
bow,  the  captain  left  them.  Karine  walked  in 
silence  by  her  lover's  side,  questioning  his  face 
with  her  eyes. 

"  You  are  so  strange  this  evening,  Gustav,"  she 
said,  at  last. 

"  Strange?  "  he  repeated,  standing  still ;  "  not  I, 
Karine,  the  world  is  strange.  Give  me  your 
hand  ; "  and  he  gazed  at  the  slender  hand  until  the 
tears  filled  his  eyes. 

"Two  days  ago  I  saw  King  Christian  hold  out 


KARINE. 


57 


his  hand  to  his  guests,"  he  continued  slowly  ;  "and 
it  was  as  soft  and  white  as  yours.  No,  not  the 
world,  —  the  human  heart  is  strange.  It  will  not 
believe  what  the  eyes  see  and  the  ears  hear ;  only 
what  it  desires,  —  that  it  believes  1 " 


CHAPTER   II. 


ALL  lay  conquered  and  dead,  from  the  Baltic 
to  the  dreary  wastes  of  Norrbotten.  As 
far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  from  the  summit  of 
KinnekuUe,  winter  had  spread  its  white  pall  over 
the  land,  and  bound  in  icy  fetters  the  rushing 
mountain  torrents.  Jn  the  deep  places  of  the  earth, 
the  hidden  streams  murmur  their  plaintive  song, 
all  unheard.  Winter  reigns ;  and  in  Sweden  the 
winter  is  long.  Those  now  living  may  not  see 
its  end.  All  is  conquered,  save  only  the  Trollhatta  j 
he  alone  refuses  to  be  bound.  Unceasingly  the 
wild  waters  plunge  into  the  deep,  as  if  to  waken, 
with  their  loud  note  of  warning,  the  sleeping  earth. 
Unceasingly  they  tear  down  and  fling  aside  the  icy 
needles,  that,  like  an  enemy's  spears,  stand  in  their 


KARINE.  59 


way,  endeavoring  with  their  feeble  strength  to  stay 
the  torrent. 

One  human  being  in  all  the  great  land  of  Sweden 
resembles  the  Trollhatta.  His  name  is  Gustav  Erik- 
son  ;  from  the  bundle  of  fagots  in  his  coat-of-arms, 
the  people  have  called  him  Gustav  "  Vasa."  His 
father  was  a  Swedish  senator ;  and  Sten  Sture  the 
Elder,  who  fell  fighting  against  Christian  H.,  was  his 
great-uncle.  Although  scarcely  thirty  years  old,  he 
has  met  with  strange  and  varied  fortunes.  As  a 
child.  King  John  of  Denmark  saw  him  in  his  uncle's 
house,  at  play  with  his  companions,  and  assuming 
for  himself  the  part  of  Cyrus.  The  Danish  king 
watched  the  boy,  and  was  seized  with  an  uneasi- 
ness akin  to  that  which  befell  Astyages  at  the  sight 
of  his  unknown  grandson.  To  prevent  the  youth 
from  furtlier  imitating  the  career  of  Cyrus,  he 
conceived  the  idea  of  carrying  him  to  Denmark, 
and  was  only  deterred  by  Sten  Sture's  persuasions. 
Later,  Gustav  Vasa  was  sent  to  the  University  of 
Upsala,  the  ancient  royal  city,  until  the  civil  war 
again  broke  forth,  when  he  fought  under  the  ban- 
ner of  Sten  Sture  against  the  traitor,  Archbishop 
TroUe  ;  and  in  the  glorious  battle  of  Briinnkyrka 


6o  KARINE. 


he  bore  the  nation's  standard.  That  which  King 
John  failed  by  fair  means  to  achieve  was  accom- 
plished by  the  cunning  of  Christian,  his  successor, 
who,  promising  to  negotiate  at  Stockholm  with 
Sten  Sture  himself,  demanded,  as  hostages  for 
his  safety,  the  surrender  of  six  distinguished 
officers,  among  them  Gustav  Vasa.  Trusting  to 
the  king's  promise,  the  regent  consented ;  but  no 
sooner  had  Christian  received  the  hostages  than 
he  refused  to  come  to  Stockholm,  and  Gustav 
Erikson  was  a  prisoner  in  Denmark. 

He  passed  a  year  in  the  strong  Castle  of  Kallo, 
in  the  north  of  Jutland.  Daily  he  heard  tidings 
of  the  vast  preparations  in  progress  throughout 
Denmark  for  Sweden's  subjection,  and  no  one  in 
Jutland  doubted  their  speedy  realization.  By  rea- 
son of  its  feuds  with  the  rebellious  Archbishop 
Trolle,  Sweden  lay  under  the  ban  of  the  Pope  ;  and 
Christian's  mercenaries  drew  lots  over  their  wine 
for  Swedish  maidens  and  Swedish  estates. 

An  ancient  chronicler  relates  how  "  Gustav 
Erikson,  by  reason  of  such  insolence,  fell  into 
fear  and  anger  beyond  measure ;  so  that  he  could 
taste  neither  meat  nor  drink,  even  had  it  been  far 


KARINE.  6 1 


daintier  tlian  it  was  ;  his  sleep  neither  rested  nor 
refreshed  him,  because  he  could  think  of  naught, 
save  how  to  find  the  means  of  escaping  from  his 
unrighteous  imprisonment." 

The  means  were  found  somehow.  Disguised  as 
a  peasant,  he  fled,  and  in  a  few  days  reached  the 
frontier  of  Jutland.  In  Flensburg,  to  avoid  de- 
tection, he  took  service  with  some  cattle-dealers, 
who  were  driving  their  oxen  to  Germany,  and 
with  them  he  reached  Liibeck.  By  virtue  of  his 
eloquence,  and  by  his  personal  influence,  he  ob- 
tained from  the  Senate  of  that  city  a  promise  of 
assistance,  provided  he  succeeded  in  organizing  a 
successful  revolt  against  the  usurper. 

In  May,  1520,  Gustav  Vasa  landed  at  Kalmar, 
which,  together  with  Stockholm,  was  the  only 
Swedish  town  still  offering  resistance  to  the  Danes. 
Stockholm,  besieged  by  land  and  by  sea,  was 
inaccessible ;  and  in  all  manner  of  disguises  he 
travelled  through  the  adjacent  provinces,  —  Sma- 
land  and  Sodermannland. 

Then  the  capital  fell,  and  all  Sweden  was  in 
Christian's  power.  He  came  with  changed  de- 
meanor, —  not  as  the  conqueror,  but  as  the  pro- 


62  KARINE. 


tector  of  the  subjected  nation ;  and  he  invited  the 
nobles  of  Sweden  to  his  coronation  at  Stockhohn. 

In  vain  Gustav  Vasa  sought  to  deter  his  friends, 
among  them  his  brother-in-law,  Joachim  Brahe, 
from  obeying  the  invitation.  Early  in  November 
of  the  same  year,  they  went  to  Stockholm. 

Gustav  Erikson  remained  behind. 

Soon  winter  lay  upon  Sweden,  hiding  the 
blood  that  had  flowed  into  the  Malar,  But  the 
TroUhatta  still  thundered  and  roared  ;  and  while 
that  remained  unsubdued,  the  winter  had  failed 
to  conquer  all.  While  Gustav  Vasa  still  found  a 
faithful  Swedish  heart,  that,  scorning  danger,  con- 
cealed him  in  some  rocky  hiding-place,  so  long 
Sweden  remained  unsubdued,  and  sleep  fled  the 
royal  couch  of  the  ancient  Folkungs,  upon  which 
Christian  of  Denmark  laid  himself  to  rest. 

It  was  indeed  a  howling,  yelping  crew  that 
hunted  the  noble  game  from  east  to  west,  from 
north  to  south,  throughout  the  length  and  breadth 
of  the  land.  Now  and  then  a  bloodhound,  more 
zealous  than  his  mates,  discovered  his  tracks  in 
the  snow,  and,  panting,  followed  his  scent ;  but  as 
suddenly    it    was    lost.     Many    a    Danish    captain 


KARINE.  6l 


wrathfully  tore  his  beard,  when  he  learned  how 
near  he  had  been  to  the  hiding-place  of  the  fugi- 
tive ;  and  that  he  had  only  needed  to  stretch  forth 
his  hand  and  grasp  the  golden  reward  which  King 
Christian  had  set  upon  his  head  ;  yes,  and  how  he 
had  even  held  him,  and  unsuspectingly  loosened 
his  hold.  To  this  day  innumerable  legends  live  in 
the  memory  of  the  Dalecarlian  peasants  of  the 
dance  Gustav  Vasa  led  his  pursuers,  and  of  his 
hair-breadth  escapes.  Once  he  lay  hidden  in  a 
wagon  covered  with  straw,  into  which  the  Danish 
soldiers  thrust  their  spears,  dealing  him  a  deep 
wound  in  the  thigh.  He  bore  his  pain  without  a 
groan ;  but  the  blood  ran  through  the  wagon  and 
left  red  stains  upon  the  snow ;  and  the  faithful 
teamster  cut  a  broad  gash  in  his  horse's  leg,  to 
divert  suspicion.  Another  time  Gustav  Vasa  dis- 
guised himself  as  the  servant  of  a  peasant,  living 
near  the  confines  of  Norway.  He  was  standing 
carelessly  by  the  hearth-fire,  when  the  Danish  sol- 
diers entered,  and  asked  him  after  Gustav  Vasa's 
hiding-place.  At  this  threatening  moment,  the 
brave  peasant-woman  came  to  his  assistance,  dealt 
him  a  lusty  blow  with  her  broom,  and   drove  him 


64  KARINE. 


from  the  house,  chiding  him  as  a  lazy  servant,  who 
would  not  work,  but  rather  stand  by  the  fire  and 
gossip. 

In  deep  forest  solitudes,  among  dreary  rocks, 
he  passed  many  a  day ;  but  whichever  way  he 
turned,  he  left  traces  of  his  presence.  The  iron 
hand  of  winter  and  of  Christian  of  Denmark  still 
lay  upon  Sweden.  But  a  short  day  of  sunshine 
will  melt  more  than  a  cold  night  can  freeze ;  and 
the  Danes  were  no  longer  able  to  destroy  in  the 
hearts  of  the  people  the  hopes  awakened  by  Gus- 
tav  Erikson,  Whispered  words  flew  from  mouth 
to  mouth,  and  eyes  sparkling  with  hate  followed 
the  mercenaries.  At  night  in  lonely  farmhouses, 
by  the  dim  lamplight,  many  a  rusty  weapon 
was  carefully  tested,  and  restored  to  its  ancient 
lustre.  The  seed  of  the  massacre  of  Stockholm, 
strewn  broadcast  by  that  untiring  sower,  Gustav 
Erikson,  began  everywhere  to  ripen  for  the  har- 
vest. It  was  not  yet  springtime  in  Sweden,  but 
a  breath  blew  over  the  pines  upon  the  hillsides, 
that  proclaimed  its  coming. 

Castle  Torpa  lay  silent,  buried  in  the  snow.  Far 
to  the  north  stretched  the  endless  surface  of  Lake 


KARTNE.  65 


Wener's  frozen  waters.  Besides  its  great  lakes, 
Sweden,  in  the  sixteenth  century,  possessed  but 
scanty  means  of  communication ;  and  the  few 
highways  lay  so  deeply  hidden  under  the  snow 
that  neither  man  nor  beast  could  find  them. 

Even  had  the  road  to  Torpa  been  free,  it  is  not 
likely  that  many  would  have  journeyed  thither.  The 
Danish  ruler's  interdict  lay  upon  the  household, 
and  withheld  any  guest  from  entering  its  gates. 
No  footprints  in  the  snow  led  to  or  from  the  house 
of  Gustav  Stenbock,  save  those  of  the  Danish  sol- 
diers, who,  without  warning,  appeared  from  time 
to  time,  searched  the  house  from  the  cellar  to  the 
roof,  and  each  time  left  without  finding  what  would 
have  rewarded  their  pains. 

Only  one  thing  seemed  changed.  The  master 
of  the  house  and  his  blind  wife  had  apparently 
grown  weary  of  their  futile  resistance  to  foreign 
rule  ;  they  yielded  to  the  inevitable  ;  and,  greatly 
to  their  surprise,  each  detachment  of  Danish  mer- 
cenaries could  tell  of  a  friendlier  reception  than 
their  predecessors.  This  seeming  change  of  senti- 
ment in  one  of  Denmark's  most  bitter  opponents 
did  not  pass  unnoticed.     Gustav  Stenbock's  stand- 

5 


66  KARINE. 


ing  was  high  in  Sweden,  and  the  support  of  his 
name  would  be  of  incalculable  value  to  a  throne 
obtained  by  force.  The  king,  therefore,  was  care- 
ful to  spread  the  news  abroad  ;  and  he  soon  learned, 
to  his  joy,  that  in  the  southern  and  middle  prov- 
inces, the  supposed  traitor  was  bitterly  denounced 
by  his  countrymen.  He  fancied  that  each  curse 
bound  Stenbock  more  closely  to  himself,  and  de- 
tached him  more  and  more  from  the  ranks  of  his 
former  friends. 

The  chief  means,  however,  of  allaying  Christian's 
suspicions  were  the  presence  of  Gustav  Rosen, 
and  his  relations  to  the  house  of  Stenbock. 

Gustav  Rosen  was  the  son  of  Brita  Stenbock's 
brother,  whose  wife,  a  Danish  lady  of  noble  birth, 
had  brought  her  husband  large  possessions  in  Den- 
mark. He  died  early,  and  the  young  mother  re- 
turned with  her  child  to  her  own  country.  Before 
the  boy  had  reached  his  tenth  year,  she  also  died, 
and  he  was  sent  to  the  house  of  Brita  Stenbock, 
his  aunt. 

Gustav  Rosen  had  loved  his  mother  fondly ; 
and  she  lived  in  his  memory  as  the  embodi- 
ment of  all   that  was  fair  and  beautiful.     In  his 


KARINE.  67 


dreams  he  often  felt  the  soft  air  of  Zealand  upon 
his  face ;  in  his  ears  sounded  his  mother's  gentle 
voice,  as  with  wondrous  old-time  songs  of  VValde- 
mar  Seyer's  glory  and  the  beautiful  Dagmar,  she 
sang  him  to  sleep  under  the  green  beech-trees, 
whose  leaves  rustled  and  glittered  in  the  sunlight. 
Then  Gerda  Rosen  kissed  him,  and  smiled  with 
her  beautiful  lips,  —  so  strangely,  —  and  the  boy 
awoke  in  tears. 

A  shudder  shook  his  frame,  when  suddenly  a 
rough  blast  of  wind,  rushing  through  the  fir-trees 
by  the  Trollhatta,  startled  him  out  of  his  soft 
dreams.  Cold  and  odorless,  it  blew  across  Lake 
Wener,  —  a  greeting  from  the  everlasting  ice-fields. 
The  Trollhatta,  with  its  deafening  noise  and  tumult, 
filled  his  soul  with  terror ;  and  away  he  sped  from 
the  wild,  rude  scenes  to  the  shelter  of  home, 
where,  instead  of  his  mother's  tender  welcome, 
Brita  Stenbock's  cold  face  greeted  him.  She  had 
never  forgiven  her  brother  for  taking  a  Danish 
woman  to  his  heart.  Her  voice  assumed  an 
added  coldness  when  she  addressed  her  nephew. 
Frightened  and  lonely,  the  boy  then  crept  to  his 
dim   chamber    in   the   great,   gloomy    house,    and 


68  KARINE. 


sobbed  himself  to  sleep.  Then  his  friendly  dreams 
came  to  comfort  him ;  and  every  warm  and  glow- 
ing dream-picture  belonged  to  Denmark  and  the 
past. 

One  fair  thing  alone  had  nothing  to  do  with 
Denmark,  —  the  little  golden-haired  girl  who  often- 
times came  to  his  room,  sat  down  beside  him, 
and  with  soft  hands  wiped  away  his  childish  tears. 

"  Do  not  weep,  Gustav,"  she  pleaded ;  "  when 
I  am  grown  up,  I  will  go  with  you  to  Denmark." 

Then  sleep  was  forgotten,  and  he  would  tell  her 
what  through  the  day  he  had  kept  locked  within  his 
heart.  When,  lost  in  memories,  he  would  look  at 
Karine,  it  seemed  that  the  sweet  child's  face  grew 
larger  and  more  beautiful,  until  he  saw  in  it  the  sad 
and  loving  countenance  of  his  dear  mother ;  and, 
smiling  through  his  tears,  the  boy  threw  his  arms 
around  her,  and  hid  his  face  upon  her  breast, 
as  if  she  were  indeed  Gerda  Rosen,  until  Karine 
herself  grew  sad,  and  tears  came  to  her  own  eyes, 
and  she  would  say,  "  Do  not  cry,  Gustav ;  I  will 
be  your  wife,  and  I  will  then  be  your  mother  too, 
and  we  will  go   to   Denmark  together." 

In  the  morning,  Brita  Stenbock  often  found  the 


KAKINE.  69 


children  thus  sleeping  side  by  side,  and  Karine  was 
chided  for  her  disobedience  in  comforting  her 
stubborn  Danish  cousin.  Stenbock  himself  was 
then  called  upon  to  punish  Gustav  for  the  misde- 
meanor of  accepting  comfort.  But  weightier  busi- 
ness filled  his  thoughts  in  those  days ;  and  he  would 
pass  the  matter  by,  saying  simply,  — 

"  Let  the  children  alone,  Brita,  until  their  time 
comes." 

Possibly  he  did  not  regret  the  growing  fondness 
between  his  daughter  and  the  wealthy  kinsman. 
The  name  of  Stenbock  ranked  higher  than  the 
money  value  represented  by  its  possessions,  which, 
during  a  century  of  incessant  warfare,  had  suffered 
materially.  Stenbock  gave  himself  little  trouble 
with  his  nephew's  education  ;  whatever  was  need- 
ful for  a  Swedish  nobleman  to  know,  the  parish 
priest,  whose  patron  was  the  lord  of  the  castle, 
was  able  to  impart.  Although  Gustav's  tempera- 
ment was  gentle,  and  he  differed  greatly  from 
other  children  of  his  age  and  rank,  yet  he  required 
no  spur  to  excel  in' all  manner  of  bodily  exercises. 
He  mounted  the  wildest  horses,  and,  emulating  the 
men  of  the  household,  threw  with  ease  the  heaviest 


70  KARINE. 


spear.  For  Karine  he  climbed  the  steep  rocks 
of  the  TroUhatta,  where  grew  the  rarest  flowers, 
and,  braving  wind  and  weather,  swam  far  out  into 
Lake  Wener,  until  he  was  lost  to  sight  amid  the 
distant  waves ;  and  only  after  anxious  waiting 
would  those  upon  the  shore  see  his  fair  head  shin- 
ing among  the  foaming  crests.  A  certain  spir- 
itual kinship  existed  between  these  two  children, 
—  a  finer,  more  thoughtful  cast  of  mind,  reaching 
far  beyond  the  manners  and  aspirations  of  their 
surroundings  ;  only  in  one  particular  their  natures 
diverged,  and  imperceptibly,  with  each  year,  grew 
wider  apart. 

As  a  flower  develops  according  to  the  nature 
of  the  soil  from  whence  it  springs,  so  Karine  grew 
up  a  true  child  of  Sweden.  Her  eyes  sparkled 
when  she  recalled  its  glorious  past  and  its  victories 
over  Denmark,  which  she  hated  with  childish 
vehemence.  But  Gustav  Rosen  laughingly  shook 
his  head  and  said  "  men  were  men,  there  as  here, 
and  should  not  hate  and  make  war  upon  each 
other,  but  love  and  be  friends."  Then  the  child 
clinched  her  little  hand  and  cried,  "  Never, 
never,    could    Swede  and    Dane  be  friends ;  they 


KARINE.  yi 


were  enemies  from  their  birth."  Yet  when  he 
told  her  the  tale  of  the  beautiful  Dagniar,  and 
of  King  Waldemar's  grief  at  her  death,  Karine's 
eyes  filled  with  tears,  and  she  forgot  that  it  was  a 
Danish  queen   for  whom    she  wept. 

And  so  their  childhood  passed,  while  bitter 
strife  and  warfare  engrossed  the  thoughts  of  their 
elders.  As  the  years  ripened  in  Karine  a  more  glow- 
ing love  of  her  country,  the  less  she  imagined  that 
Gustav  could  be  of  another  mind.  To  her  he 
was  as  true  a  Swede  as  the  young  Gustav  Vasa, 
of  whom  all  the  world  was  speaking;  and  she 
placed  upon  him  the  same  high  hopes  that  her 
father  and  mother  put  in  the  other.  Gustav  Rosen, 
on  the  other  hand,  saw  in  her  more  and  more 
the  image  of  his  beautiful  mother,  who,  after  her 
husband's  death,  had  fled  from  his  country  and 
kindred.  He  fancied  that,  like  her,  Karine  was 
an  exile  in  a  strange  land,  and  that  he  was  des- 
tined to  carry  her  back  to  her  true  home,  —  to 
fair,  sunny  Denmark. 

Whatever  happened,  neither  could  picture  a  life 
without  the  other.  Many  a  year  had  slipped  by 
since  Gustav  Rosen  first  came  to  Torpa,  and  the 


72  KARINE. 


boy  and  girl  had  grown  to  manhood  and  woman- 
hood. But,  contrary  to  experience  and  precedent, 
their  relations  and  their  manner  toward  one 
another  remained  unchanged.  Now,  as  then, 
they  walked  hand  in  hand ;  but  no  longer  as 
brother  and  sister,  —  the  playmates  had  become 
lovers.  It  was  the  old  love  clothed  in  new  spring 
garments ;  and  their  own  springtime  scattered 
its  blossoms,  whose  fragrance  they  breathed,  un- 
suspecting whence  it  came. 

When  Gustav  Rosen  reached  his  eighteenth  year, 
and  with  it  his  majority,  it  became  necessary  for 
him  to  go  to  Zealand,  to  take  possession  of  his 
estates.  It  was  the  thought  of  this,  their  first 
parting,  that  tore  asunder  the  magic  veil  which  had 
bound  their  eyes.  He  felt  unable  to  go,  without 
the  right  to   return. 

Every  one  in  Stenbock's  house  fancied  he  knew 
Gustav  Rosen ;  but  not  one,  not  even  Karine, 
understood  him  fully.  One,  perhaps,  —  Brita  Sten- 
bock,  —  and  she  withheld  her  consent  when  he 
formally  sued  for  her  daughter's  hand.  She  was, 
indeed,  obliged  to  yield  when  Stenbock  insisted  that 
"  the  children  should  have  their  will  in  this  matter." 


KARINE.  73 


Then  Brita  endeavored  to  frustrate  Rosen's  jour- 
ney to  Denmark  ;  but  here  again  she  met  with  de- 
cided opposition,  her  husband  deeming  it  not  only 
desirable,  but  necessary,  that  they,  who  had  never 
known  what  it  was  to  be  without  the  other,  should 
experience  a  separation ;  and  their  joy  over  the 
father's  consent  tempered  the  bitterness  of  parting. 

According  to  the  old  Swedish  custom,  their 
betrothal  was  celebrated  with  solemn  festivities. 
The  noblest  in  the  land  were  gathered  at  Castle 
Torpa ;  and  during  the  revel  of  the  night  many 
glowing  toasts  were  heard,  burning  words  of  devo- 
tion to  Sweden  and  hatred  of  Denmark.  Rosen's 
face  was  flushed  with  joy  and  wine.  In  the  morn- 
ing he  could  not  recall  his  words ;  but  he  re- 
membered that  they  had  pressed  his  hand ;  that 
Karine's  eyes  had  beamed  with  happiness  ;  and  that 
even  Brita  Stenbock's  cold  face  had  smiled  upon 
him. 

On  the  next  day,  the  two  walked  hand  in  hand 
to  the  Trollhatta.  Their  steps  grew  slower  as 
they  approached  the  cataract.  Behind  them  a 
servant  led  the  young  man's  horse. 

"  It  seems  as  if  we  were  taking   leave  of  our 


74  KARINE. 


youth,"  said  the  girl,  struggling  with  her  tears. 
He  smiled. 

"We  were  foolish  children  —  " 

"  But  happy  children,"  she  whispered. 

Gustav  Rosen  looked  about  him.  "  All  is  as  it 
was  from  the  beginning  of  our  lives.  How  many 
years  have  we  sat  here  without  understanding  the 
beating  of  our  own  hearts  !  We  thought  we  knew 
each  other  as  we  knew  ourselves ;  and  yet  this 
secret  lay  within  us,  unsuspected.  Shall  it  be  the 
last,  Karine?" 

She  nodded,  with  moist  eyes.  He  clasped  her 
in  his  arms  and  kissed  her.  "The  Trollhatta  is 
the  third  in  our  union,  —  our  oldest  friend.  Here 
we  will  meet  when  I  return  ;  I  will  send  you  a 
message  when  the  time  comes." 

He  sprang  upon  his  horse,  and  Karine  held  out 
her  hand  for  the  last  time. 

"  Come  when  you  will,"  she  said,  "  I  shall  await 
you  here.  Come  when  your  heart  tells  you  that  I 
can  no  longer  endure  your  absence." 

It  so  chanced  that  the  same  ship  which  carried 
Gustav  Rosen  from  Gotaborg  to  Copenhagen  con- 


KARINE.  75 


veyecl  Gustav  Erikson  as  hostage  for  the  Danish 
king's  safety  from  Stockholm  to  Denmark.  He 
was  older  by  ten  years  than  Rosen ;  and  his 
thoughtful  face  and  marked  features  bore  to  the 
youth's  dreamy  countenance  the  same  relation  that 
a  strong  oak,  proved  by  many  tempests,  bears  to 
a  slender  sapling  covered  with  careless  blossoms. 
The  voyage  was  delayed  by  contrary  winds,  which 
soon  strengthened  into  a  gale  ;  and  Rosen  saw  with 
amazement  how  in  the  moment  of  danger  Erik- 
son,  like  an  experienced  seaman,  climbed  into  the 
rigging,  more  than  once  risking  his  own  life  to 
save  the  threatened  ship.  The  powerful  individu- 
ality of  the  young  man  inspired  in  Rosen  a  feeling 
of  mingled  attraction  and  repulsion  ;  and  he  could 
scarcely  endure  the  keen  glance  of  the  former 
when,  in  the  discussion  of  the  momentous  ques- 
tions which  disturbed  the  minds  of  men  in  the 
North,  it  rested  upon  his  face.  He  felt  that  the 
rushing  waters  of  the  Trollhatta  would  prove  more 
sympathetic  than  Gustav  Vasa,  with  his  piercing 
eyes  and  his  scornful  laugh. 

In    one   thing  the  two  were    equally  mistaken. 
Gustav  Vasa   also    expected    to    return    in  a   few 


'j6  KARINE. 


weeks  to  Sweden,  as  soon  as  the  negotiations  in 
Stockholm  should  have  led  to  a  treaty  of  peace. 

Rosen  had  little  knowledge  of  public  affairs. 
What  had  the  ancient  feud  between  Sweden  and 
Denmark  to  do  with  his  love  ?  He  learned  some- 
what of  these  matters  when,  upon  their  arrival  in 
Denmark,  his  fellow-traveller  was  arrested  and  led 
away  by  soldiers  amid  the  jeers  of  the  populace. 
He  was  informed  that  the  companion  whom 
chance  had  thrown  in  his  way  was  the  most 
dangerous  rebel  in  Sweden ;  and  that  it  was  fool- 
ish clemency  on  the  king's  part  to  carry  him  a 
prisoner  to  Jutland,  instead  of  taking  his  life. 
Wherever  Gustav  Rosen  went,  everybody  said  the 
same,  and  everybody  spoke  of  the  imminent  war 
that  was  to  realize  the  dream  of  the  treaty  of 
Kalmar.  For  the  first  time  in  his  life,  Rosen  found 
himself  in  the  midst  of  a  great  political  movement. 

Here  no  one  doubted  his  being  a  loyal  Dane, 
just  as  on  the  other  side  they  held  him  to  be  a 
true  Swede.  Here,  moreover,  he  was  a  man  of 
consequence.  He  suddenly  saw  himself  taken  at 
his  true  value,  —  as  a  rich  and  noble  gentleman 
whose  favor  was  worth  the  winning.     Men  hon- 


KARINE.  yj 


ored  him,  and  women  no  less.  The  blood  rose  to 
his  face  as  the  conviction  seized  him  that  Den- 
mark was  indeed  his  home. 

But  greatly  as  his  fancy  was  pleased  by  the 
honor  and  consideration  he  enjoyed,  he  was  not 
materially  influenced  by  them.  His  heart  was  filled 
with  thoughts  of  Karine  ;  her  image  lent  to  all  his 
surroundings  their  pleasant  charm.  From  Copen- 
hagen he  hastened  to  his  estates  in  the  interior  of 
Zealand,  where  faithless  servants  had  long  played 
the  master,  and  heaped  up  confusion  toward  the 
day  of  reckoning.  Notwithstanding  his  youth  and 
his  poetic  temperament,  Gustav  Rosen  possessed 
a  clear  understanding  of  affairs,  and  the  palpable 
dishonesty  which  met  him  on  every  side  filled  him 
with  indignation.  The  appointed  time  passed 
quickly,  and  he  was  still  obliged  to  remain  to  re- 
store order  and  reform  abuses.  His  chief  delight 
was  to  beautify  to  the  utmost  the  most  lovely  spot 
upon  his  estates.  What  Karine  loved  should  greet 
her  here.  A  merry,  gushing  brook,  led  by  an 
abrupt  declivity  from  its  own  bed  into  a  deeper 
artificial  channel,  should  remind  her  of  the 
Falls  of  the  Trollhatta.     At  last  the  day  arrived 


78  KARINE. 


when  upon  his  swiftest  horse  he  flew  back  to 
Copenhagen. 

Like  a  blow,  the  news  met  him  here,  that  war 
had  been  declared  against  Sweden,  and  that  no 
one  was  permitted  to  leave  Denmark. 

Gustav  Rosen  would  go  at  any  risk.  He  ap- 
pealed to  the  most  powerful  men  of  his  acquaint- 
ance, through  whose  influence  he  hoped  to  gain 
the  desired  permission,  but  in  vain.  They  merely 
shrugged  their  shoulders,  referring  him  to  the 
king's  command,  and  warning  him  that  an  at- 
tempt to  carry  out  his  purpose  would  certainly 
result  in  the  loss  of  his  possessions,  if  not  of  his 
life.  And  yet  he  made  it.  The  Swedish  coast 
lay  so  enticingly  near  in  the  golden  evening  light, 
he  fancied  he  could  hear  the  roaring  of  the 
Trollhatta,  and  see  Karine's  blue  eyes  gazing  long- 
ingly across  the  water.  By  means  of  large  prom- 
ises he  persuaded  a  fisherman  to  carry  him  over ; 
but  when  he  had  almost  reached  land,  he  fell  into 
the  hands  of  a  Danish  cruiser,  and  was  taken  back 
to  Copenhagen  a  prisoner,  under  the  dangerous 
suspicion  of  being  a  Swedish  spy.  For  weeks, 
ignorant  even  of  his  name,  they  held  him  confined 


KARINE.  79 


in  a  dismal  tower,  on  meagre  fare  ;  until,  by  a  lucky 
accident,  he  was  enabled  to  convey  a  petition 
into  the  king's  hands.  Before  another  day  dawned 
his  prison-doors  were  opened.  He  was  dismissed 
with  many  apologies,  and  ordered  to  appear  at  the 
palace  on  the  following  day. 

King  Christian  II.  was  a  sovereign  whose  char- 
acter united  the  most  glaring  inconsistencies.  As 
a  youth,  although  dissolute  beyond  his  years,  he 
was  capable  of  so  strong  and  passionate  an  affection 
for  the  beautiful  Dyveke  of  Amsterdam,  whom  he 
met  at  Bergen  during  his  regency  of  Norway,  that 
he  defied  his  father's  threats,  and  endured  the 
heaviest  punishment,  rather  than  renounce  his  love. 
His  nature  was  fiercely  despotic,  and  he  pursued 
whatever  opposed  his  will  with  cunning  and  with 
might  to  its  utter  destruction.  He  hated  the 
nobles  of  Denmark  no  less  than  those  of  Sweden, 
because  they  refused  to  bend  to  his  hand.  More 
revengeful,  more  cruel  and  crafty,  than  the  most 
abandoned  wretches  whose  memory  has  been  kept 
alive  by  their  crimes,  he  was  yet  brave  and  fear- 
less in  the  midst  of  danger,  and  of  a  penetrating 
intellect.     The  burghers  clung  to  him  because  he 


8o  KARINE. 


humbled  their  common  foe,  —  the  nobles, — wisely 
deeming  it  better  to  serve  one  master,  however 
tyrannical,  who  sought  their  good-will,  than  the 
many  who  treated  them  with  haughty  contempt. 
When,  moreover,  in  furtherance  of  his  far-reaching 
schemes,  he  mingled  with  the  people,  no  one  dis- 
played a  more  fascinating  grace  of  manner,  more 
simple,  winning  cordiality,  than  Christian  11.  No 
one  possessed  such  absolute  control  over  his  fea- 
tures ;  no  one  in  a  higher  degree  the  dangerous 
faculty  of  hiding  the  evil  thoughts  that  lurked 
beneath  a  calm  exterior.  His  face  wore  the  same 
kindly  smile,  whether  he  accepted  from  a  burgher's 
hand  a  cup  of  wine  wherein  to  drink  his  health, 
or  whether  he  offered  a  poisoned  draught  to  the 
victim  of  his  displeasure. 

Another  tie  bound  his  people  still  more  closely 
to  their  sovereign  :  King  Christian  was  a  Dane  in 
every  fibre  of  his  being,  and  resolved  upon  assert- 
ing Denmark's  traditional  claim  to  supremacy  over 
Sweden.  These  islanders  shared  their  king's  re- 
sentment against  the  barriers  that  confined  his 
power ;  and  a  war  of  subjection  against  Sweden 
united  all  discordant  elements  under  his  command. 


KARINE.  8 1 


Soon  after  his  accession  to  the  throne,  Christian 
married  Isabella,  sister  to  the  German  Emperor, 
Charles  V. ;  and,  notwithstanding  the  curses  with 
which  history  has  laden  his  memory,  it  might 
seem  as  if  some  promise  of  better  things  had  lain 
hidden  in  his  nature,  from  the  fact  that,  through 
all  the  misery  of  his  later  years,  his  wife,  while  she 
lived,  remained  faithfully  by  his  side.  But  it  was  the 
beautiful  Dyveke,  who,  in  defiance  of  his  queen, 
occupied  a  wing  of  the  royal  palace,  that  ruled  over 
his  heart.  His  policy  was  controlled  by  the  cunning 
mother  of  his  mistress,  the  former  innkeeper's  wife 
of  Bergen,  and  by  his  unscrupulous  confessor,  Slag- 
hok,  who  began  his  career  as  a  barber's  apprentice. 
These  two  incited  him  to  the  most  cruel  and  insane 
measures  against  the  nobles.  The  good  star  of  his 
destiny,  the  only  one  who  threw  a  ray  of  warm  light 
into  the  gloom  of  Christian's  heart,  was  that  strange 
child  of  Holland,  the  lovely  "  Dove  "  of  Amster- 
dam, —  so  merry,  yet  so  sad ;  without  envy  or 
ambition ;  loving  him  for  his  own  sake,  and  seek- 
ing, with  wise  and  tender  hands,  to  free  him 
from  the  net  of  evil  counsel  in  which  her  mother 
Sigbrit  had  entangled    him. 

6 


82  KARINE. 


Had  a  longer  life  been  granted  the  gentle,  far- 
seeing  "  Dove,"  history  would  presumably  have  had 
no  massacre  of  Stockholm  to  record.  But  Dyveke 
died.  Her  death  was  shrouded  in  mystery ; 
and  the  people,  who  loved  her,  accused  the  nobles 
of  having  poisoned  her.  Christian,  goaded  to  mad- 
ness by  her  death,  lent  a  willing  ear  to  these 
accusations.  The  heaviest  suspicion  rested  upon 
Torben  Oxe,  a  near  relative  of  the  governor  of 
the  palace  at  Copenhagen.  He  was  thrown  into 
prison,  and  upon  the  rack  confessed  that  he  had 
loved  Dyveke  before  the  king  saw  her.  His  execu- 
tion was  the  beginning  of  a  bloody  persecution  of 
the  nobility.  Unnumbered  lives  were  sacrificed, 
and  still  Sigbrit  was  insatiable ;  until  at  last  the 
people  began  to  murmur  at  the  extermination  of 
their  noblest  families,  and  cunningly  diverted 
the  king's  rage  against  Sweden  and  its  lords. 
The  massacre  of  Stockholm  was  planned  years 
before  its  execution. 

It  was  a  curious  circumstance  that  Christian  H. 
and  Gustav  Erikson,  men  of  widely  different 
character  and  intentions,  should  have  held  the 
same  views.     The  former  planned  the  annihilation 


KARINE.  83 


of  the  Swedish  nobility  for  the  purpose  of  subju- 
gating the  country ;  the  latter,  although  abhorring 
the  Danish  monarch's  ghastly  crime,  discerned  that 
the  longed-for  independence  of  Sweden  could  be 
achieved  only  through  the  utter  subjection  of  its 
magnates,  whose  jealousy  opposed  and  thwarted 
every  plan  in  furtherance  of  their  country's  great- 
ness. Gustav  Vasa  realized  that  the  slaughter  of 
the  nobles  at  Stockholm  was  not  only  the  signal, 
but  the  sole  condition,  of  Sweden's  deliverance 
from  Danish   rule. 

Christian  II.,  since  Dyveke's  death,  had  grown 
gloomier,  more  merciless  than  ever.  The  light 
of  his  good  star  was  quenched  ;  and  his  days  were 
spent  in  solitary  brooding,  in  devising  secret, 
deadly  plans. 

It  was  thus  Gustav  Rosen's  petition  found 
him.  One  among  King  Christian's  many  states- 
manlike qualities  was  his  intimate  acquaintance 
with  the  private  concerns  of  his  more  prominent 
subjects ;  and  his  eagle  glance  took  immediate 
note  of  whatever  might  be  turned  to  his  own 
profit.  He  cordially  invited  the  youth  to  tell  him 
the  story  of  his  life,  and  smiled  graciously   when 


84  KARINE. 


the  latter  dwelt  upon  Karine  Stenbock's  beauty. 
Before  Rosen  had  ended,  he  saw  the  dissonance 
that  marred  the  harmony  of  the  young  man's 
nature,  and  its  value  to  himself.  He  dismissed 
him  with  great  friendliness,  refusing,  it  is  true,  the 
coveted  permission  to  return  to  Sweden,  but 
holding  out  the  hope  that  in  a  few  weeks  he 
himself  would  take  him  thither;  and  giving  his 
royal  word  that  if  Brita  Stenbock  had  used  the 
intervening  time  to  Rosen's  disadvantage,  he 
himself  would  see  to  it  that  justice  was  done 
him. 

He  then  accompanied  the  young  man  to  the 
door  of  his  apartment,  and,  to  the  astonishment 
of  the  attending  servants,  gave  him  his  hand  at 
parting,  and  bade  him  a  cordial  farewell, 

Gustav  Rosen  could  not  for  nineteen  years 
have  grown  up  under  Brita  Stenbock's  stern  rule 
and  remained  insensible  to  the  gracious  kindness  of 
Denmark's  sovereign.  Christian's  dark  deeds  of 
revenge  had  been  before  his  time  ;  he  scarcely 
knew  of  them  ;  and  their  enthusiastic  interest  in 
the  Swedish  war  had  wellnigh  caused  the  Danes  to 
forget.     Now  and  then,  like  a  shadow,  the  thought 


KARINE.  85 


fell  upon  Rosen's  heart  that  Karine  was  a  Swede. 
But  what  signified  an  accidental  difference  of  race 
when  people  loved  each  other?  His  birth  indeed 
had  made  him  a  Swede,  yet  the  boyish  conviction 
that  Denmark  was  his  home  had  been  strength- 
ened. It  should  be  her  home  as  well,  as  it  had 
been  the  home  of  his  mother  and  of  Queen 
Dagmar,  whose  images,  rising  out  of  the  early 
days  of  his  childhood,  blended  closely  and  ten- 
derly in  his  memory. 

The  weeks  lengthened  into  months,  and  only 
his  thoughts  were  free  to  cross  the  narrow  waters 
that  parted  him  from  Sweden ;  nor  could  he  even 
send  a  message  to  his  betrothed,  explaining  his 
delay.  At  last  Christian  set  his  army  in  motion, 
and  Rosen  was  ordered  to  await  his  commands. 
The  wily  king  knew  better  than  to  ask  Rosen  to 
bear  arms  against  the  land  of  his  fathers,  but  he 
was  detained  in  the  camp  under  various  pretexts ; 
and  in  spite  of  the  many  evidences  of  goodwill 
shown  him  by  the  king,  he  was  aware  that  sharp 
eyes  watched  his  every  movement,  and  that  an 
attempt  to  reach  Castle  Torpa  without  permission 
would  be  as  sure  to  fail  as  did  his  flight  across  the 


86  KARINE. 


Sund.  Vainly  struggling  against  liis  impatience, 
he  followed  the  army.  He  witnessed  the  battle  of 
Bogesund,  where  Sten  Sture  fell  and  Sweden  became 
a  prey  to  the  invader,  but  he  failed  to  grasp  the 
fatal  meaning  of  this  disastrous  day. 

Toward  evening  the  king  found  him,  leaning 
against  a  tree,  and  gazing  in  mute  despair  upon 
the  clear,  moonlit  landscape.  Christian  wore  his 
full  armor ;  by  his  own  personal  prowess  he  had 
helped  to  decide  the  issue  of  the  battle.  With  a 
mocking  smile,  he  touched  the  dreamer's  shoulder 
and  said,  — 

"  If  the  Rose  of  the  Trollhatta  loved  me, 
Gustav  Rosen,  I  should  saddle  my  horse  this  very 
moment,  and  go  to  her.  My  greetings  to  her, 
and  to  Brita  Stenbock,  her  mother.  If  the  lady 
objects  to  her  son-in-law,  bring  her  to  Stockholm 
in  November;  I  shall  expect  to  see  you  in  my 
capital   then.     Do  you  understand?" 

Five  minutes  later,  Gustav  Rosen  had  mounted 
his  horse.  He  rode  through  the  night,  until 
morning,  and  again  until  night,  when  he  gave  him- 
self a  few  hours'  rest,  and,  according  to  their  agree- 
ment, sent  a  messenger  to  Karine,  to  announce 


KARINE.  87 


his  coming.  It  was  early  in  the  afternoon  when 
he  rode  past  Castle  Torpa,  to  keep  his  appoint- 
ment by  the  Trollhatta.  There  rose  the  venerable 
elms,  throwing  their  shadows  upon  the  old  house. 
He  left  them  lying  to  the  right,  and  hurried  on. 
Nearer  and  nearer  the  cataract  thundered  its  greet- 
ing. It  seemed  as  if  he  had  but  yesterday  parted 
from  Karine,  and  that  he  must  find  her  standing 
where  he   had  left  her. 

Had  any  one  mentioned  to  him  the  name  of 
"  Bogesund,"  or  asked  him  who  were  the  victors, 
he  would  scarcely  have  known  how  to  answer. 
How  well  he  remembered  the  path, — one  more 
turn,  one  moment  more,  and  Karine  would  be  in 
his  arms. 

At  last !  Here  was  the  spot.  With  flushed 
face  he  sprang  from  his  horse  and  looked  about 
him.  Was  he  mistaken?  Had  his  memory  de- 
ceived him?  Impossible  !  Each  stone,  each  tree, 
was  indelibly  engraven  on  his  heart.  He  hurried 
up  the  hillside,  searching  each  hiding-place  of 
their  childish  days ;  but  no  tell-tale  golden  hair 
shone  from  among  the  rocks.  He  called  her  name  ; 
but  his  voice  was  drowned  in  the  noise  of  the 
cataract. 


88  KARINE. 


By  degrees  he  came  to  his  senses.  The  messen- 
ger had  doubtless  mistaken  the  hour  of  his  arrival. 
She  did  not  expect  him  so  early.  He  ascended  a 
hillock  commanding  a  view  of  Castle  Torpa,  and 
waited ;  he  waited  a  long  time,  until  the  twilight 
sank  down  upon  the  earth,  and  noisy  flocks  of  crows 
clamored  and  croaked  above  the  TroUhatta,  dis- 
appearing like  shadows  in  the  darkness.  Then, 
with  a  heavy  heart,  he  rode  back  to  Torpa. 

A  thousand  fears  crowded  through  his  brain. 
Was  Karine  ill?  Had  Brita  Stenbock  perhaps  — 
He  spurred  his  horse  until  it  sped  over  the  ground 
like  an  arrow.  In  a  few  minutes  he  reached  the 
gate,  dismounted,  and  flew  up  the  steps.  A  maid- 
servant met  him. 

"Where  is  Karine?"  he  asked,  in  breathless 
haste.     "  Is  she  ill  ?  " 

With  a  surprised  look,  she  answered,  "  No  ;  the 
young  mistress  is  well,  and  expects  you,  Herr 
Rosen." 

He  flung  open  a  door  j  Karine  rose  hastily  to 
meet  him. 

"  Gustav,  Gustav  !  "  she  exclaimed,  "  is  it  true 
that  Sten  Sture  has  fallen?  "     Her  cheeks  glowed ; 


KARINE.  89 


her  eyes  were  fixed  in  eager  expectancy  upon  his 
face. 

"  Karine,"  he  stammered,  taking  her  hand,  "  did 
you  not  know  that  I  was  coming?  Since  noon 
I  have  waited  for  you  by  the  TroUhatta." 

As  if  awaking  from  a  deep  sleep,  the  girl  looked 
up,  and,  sobbing,  fell  upon  his  neck.  "  Oh,  Gustav, 
all  is  lost,"  she  moaned. 

"  Say,  rather,  all  is  gained,"  he  returned,  "  since 
we  have  each  other  again."  But,  freeing  herself, 
she  looked  at  him,  her  eyes  full  of  reproach. 

"  You  came  six  hours  ago ;  and  only  now  you 
bring  us  news  of  the   battle?" 

"  I  waited  for  you  over  yonder,"  he  answered, 
with  confusion  ;  "  did  you  not  receive  my  message  ?  " 

Almost  angrily  she  exclaimed,  "  Is  this  a  time 
to  think  of  child's  play?  I  did  not  suppose  you 
would  ride  past  Torpa,"  she  added  more  gently. 

"You  promised:  had  the  skies  fallen,  Karine, 
I  should  have  come,"  he  whispered.  "  Has  our 
love   become  child's   play,  Karine?" 

She  quickly  turned.  "  My  poor  Gustav,"  she 
said  tenderly,  "  I  forgot  how  you  must  have  suf- 
fered at  the  Danish  tyrant's  hands." 


90  KARINE. 


Gustav  Rosen  had  been  "  in  captivity,"  and  in 
the  excitement  and  confusion  of  the  battle  had 
made  his  escape  ;  so  every  one  supposed,  —  it  was 
so  probable.  The  young  man  himself  was  silent 
upon  the  matter.  He  was  as  one  stunned.  The 
stormy  events  of  the  day  had  rushed  past  his 
observation  without  his  perceiving  their  import. 
Sometimes  he  tried  to  think,  but  his  thoughts  only 
brought  him  unspeakable  weariness.  In  Karine's 
face,  pale  or  flushed  by  turns,  in  the  expression 
of  her  eyes,  he  read  her  country's  fate.  She  had 
grown  excited,  restless,  as  never  before.  Two 
souls  seemed  to  dwell  within  her,  looking  out 
upon  the  world  with  deep,  prophetic  eyes  :  the  one, 
with  shining,  tender  glances,  unfathomable  as  the 
summer  sky,  loved  Gustav  Rosen ;  the  other, 
gazing  past  her  lover's  face,  fixed  her  troubled 
eyes  upon  the  distant  future.  Karine  Stenbock's 
first  question  was  not  for  her  father's  safety,  — 
she  asked  if  Sten   Sture   had  fallen. 

Another  misfortune  marked  the  day  that  saw 
Sweden's  downfall,  —  unnoticed  in  the  stormy 
course  of  public  events,  which  take  no  note  of  pri- 
vate griefs.     The  messenger  who  brought  to  Torpa 


KARINE.  91 


the  news  of  Gustav  Rosen's  arrival  brought  also 
the  first  tidings  of  the  issue  of  the  battle.  Brita 
Stenbock  rushed  wildly  from  the  house  and  wan- 
dered away  in  the  direction  of  Bogesund.  They 
found  her  the  next  day,  lying  fainting  upon  the 
ground,  fourteen  miles  from  Torpa,  —  her  cloth- 
ing torn,  and  drenched  with  the  rain  that  had 
fallen  during  the  night.  For  weeks  she  hovered 
between  life  and  death,  and  when  at  last  she 
awoke  to  consciousness,  Brita  Stenbock  was  stone- 
blind. 

But  what  are  a  woman's  eyes,  compared  to 
Sweden's  fate?  Karine  wept  bitter  tears  by  her 
mother's  bedside,  but  a  message  from  Stockholm 
speedily  made  her  forget  her  own  sorrows.  Her 
father  took  part  in  the  defence  of  the  capital ;  and 
almost  daily  some  secret  word  reached  Torpa  for 
his  wife,  whose  place  Karine,  scarcely  eighteen,  was 
now  obliged  to  fill.  The  force  of  circumstances 
carried  the  young  girl  far  beyond  her  years ;  many 
single  threads  of  the  resistance  that,  here  and 
there,  in  the  mountains  and  by  the  sea,  still  met 
the  conqueror,  were  united  in  her  hands.  Thus 
her  mother,  of  necessity  often  left  to  herself,  would 


92  KARINE. 


have  passed  many  lonely  hours,  had  there  not 
been  another  to  attend  to  her  wishes. 

Gustav  Rosen  had  never  loved  his  aunt ;  but 
the  sight  of  her  sorrow  and  helplessness  filled  him 
with  compassion.  Brita  Stenbock  was  a  hard 
woman ;  she  had  no  sigh  for  her  lost  sight,  nor 
thanks  for  the  young  man  who  sat  unwearyingly 
by  her  bedside,  submitted  to  her  capricious  moods, 
and  received  in  silence  her  taunts  and  reproaches 
when  he  failed  to  give  her  the  information  she  de- 
sired concerning  matters  in  Stockholm.  Gustav 
Rosen  felt  more  painfully  the  loss  of  her  sight 
than  that  of  Sweden's  liberty.  To  him  she  was 
no  longer  the  stern,  unsmiling  kinswoman  whose 
will  was  the  law  of  her  household,  —  she  was  only 
Karine's  mother.  But  if  his  unceasing  care  and 
devotion  earned  small  thanks  from  her,  Karine's 
love  consoled  him.  Many  a  glance  of  gratitude 
from  her  blue  eyes  met  his,  and,  taking  his  hand, 
she  would  say,  "  How  good  you  are,  Gustav  !  " 

But  when  messengers  arrived  from  the  seat  of 
war,  then  Karine's  eyes  were  blind  as  her  mother's 
to  all  besides.  She  neither  saw  her  lover  nor 
heard  his  pleading  words.     Another  influence  held 


KARINE.  93 


her  captive,  like  the  ancient  bard  of  whom  the 
legend  runs,  who  stood  by  the  brink  of  the  Troll- 
hatta,  and,  compelled  by  the  terrible  fascination  of 
the  thundering  stream,  leaped  into  its  waters. 

Often  in  her  childhood  had  she  stood  by  the 
Trollhatta  and  gazed  at  the  spot  where  it  was  all 
said  to  have  happened,  and  she  could  not  under- 
stand it. 

Now  she  and  Rosen  are  sitting  together  as  of  old. 
He  jestingly  tells  her  that  she  makes  him  think  of 
the  ancient  bard,  and  that  the  fate  of  Sweden  is  her 
Trollhatta,  seeking  to  take  her  from  him.  Then  he 
laughs,  and  tells  her  when  that  comes  he  will  be 
able  to  keep  her  from  the  devouring  flood. 

"What  is  it,  Karine?"  he  asked  suddenly. 
The  girl  had  thrown  her  arms  about  his  neck 
and  rested   her  head  on   his   breast. 

She  looked  up  tenderly,  and  kissed  him. 

"  My  poor  Gustav,  do  not  grow  weary,"  she  said 
softly.  "  If  you  should  grow  weary  and  the  stream 
should  catch  me,  it  would  be  too  late  to  save 
me  —  " 

She  shuddered,  and  again  threw  herself  on  his 
breast. 


94  KARINE. 


"  Never  leave  your  Karine,"  she  whispered.  "  I 
love  you  so  much  —  so  much  —  " 

Then  Stockholm  fell.  Its  brave  defenders  were 
overwhelmed  by  fearful  odds.  They  fled  into  the 
interior  and  dispersed.  Gustav  Stenbock  returned 
to  Torpa.  Sweden  was  lost,  and  it  only  remained 
for  each  individual  to  save  his  own  life,  if  possible. 

Dark  days  lay  upon  Sweden,  although  the  sum- 
mer and  autumn  of  1520  were  of  rare,  unclouded 
beauty.  The  new  king  seemed  indeed  to  regard 
all  his  subjects  with  the  same  paternal  affection 
and  solicitude  ;  no  longer  to  resent  their  resist- 
ance, and  to  have  forgotten  and  forgiven  all  past 
offences.  In  this  conciliatory  tone  he  issued  his 
invitations  to  the  lords,  whether  or  not  they  had 
borne  arms  against  him,  to  meet  him  at  Stock- 
holm, where  his  coronation  was  to  take  place  on 
the  first  day  of  November. 

To  Gustav  Rosen  alone  the  dark  days  were 
happy  ones.  It  seemed  as  if  Karine  had  awak- 
ened from  a  Icjng  stupor  to  health  and  happiness. 
As  in  the  olden  time,  she  wandered  with  him  over 
the  hills  and  through  the  forests.  The  troubled 
dream  had  vanished  from  her  eyes,  and  it  seemed 


KARINE.  95 


as  if  her  thoughts  had  never  harbored  aught  be- 
yond the  old,  renewed,  transfigured  child-love. 
Nothing  was  left  to  Gustav  Stenbock  in  these 
evil  times,  save  to  take  comfort  in  his  chil- 
dren's happiness.  Only  Brita  remained  cold  as 
before  toward  Rosen,  using  all  her  skill  to  thwart 
her  husband's  wishes,  by  continually  devising  new 
pretexts  for  postponing  her  daughter's  marriage. 
But  at  last  even  she  could  find  no  plausible  reason 
for  further  delay,  and  the  marriage  was  fixed  for 
the  coming  December.  Then  Gustav  Stenbock 
was  invited,  and  Gustav  Rosen  commanded,  to 
appear  at  the  king's  coronation. 

Karine's  tears  flowed  more  abundantly  at  this 
parting  than  at  the  first.  The  separation  was  to  be 
short,  but  so  they  had  once  before  believed.  At  all 
events,  it  was  inevitable,  Stenbock  himself  urging 
upon  his  nephew  the  necessity  of  going.  For  him- 
self, he  pleaded  an  injury  to  his  knee  as  an  excuse 
for  avoiding  so  fatiguing  a  journey.  He,  as  httle  as 
the  other  invited  guests,  Gustav  Erikson  excepted, 
dreamed  of  any  danger ;  but  he  deemed  it  con- 
temptible to  appear  at  the  court  of  a  conqueror 
against  whom  he  had  so  recently  borne  arms. 


g6  KARINE. 


The  very  day  upon  which  Gustav  Folkung  saved 
Karine  from  the  wild  Trollhatta  waters,  he  had 
changed  his  mind.  All  who  were  bidden  had 
gone  ;  and  he  feared,  chiefly  for  his  children's  sake, 
needlessly  to  arouse  the  tyrant's  anger.  Without 
telling  his  wife,  of  whose  opposition  he  was  certain, 
he  set  out  upon  the  road  to  Stockholm. 

Near  Lake  Wetter  he  met  Gustav  Rosen,  re- 
turning thence. 

Excited,  deeply  shocked  by  the  fearful  deed  he 
had  witnessed,  Rosen  rode  back  to  Torpa  by  Sten- 
bock's  side.  There,  carried  away  by  the  horror  of 
it,  he  spoke  words  that  made  it  seem  as  if  he  too 
felt  the  shame,  the  bitter  wrong,  done  to  Sweden. 
An  inner  voice,  perhaps,  told  him  that  a  generous 
heart  must  break  away  altogether  from  its  child- 
ish dreams  and  aspirations,  should  Denmark  ap- 
plaud this  monstrous  treachery  against  hundreds 
of  the  noblest  of  another  race.  On  that  night, 
perhaps,  the  youth  came  nearer  than  ever  to  for- 
getting Gerda  Rosen,  Zealand's  beech-woods,  and 
the  sunny  dreams  of  his  childhood,  and  of  un- 
derstanding the  other  soul  of  Karine  Stenbock. 


CHAPTER   III. 


AND  now  all  lay  dead,  from  the  Baltic  to  the 
ice-fields  of  the  North,  beneath  a  sunless 
sky,  joyless,  colorless,  hopeless.  Brita  Stenbock 
was  fortunate,  —  she  could  not  see  the  pale,  sad 
light  of  those  gloomy  days.  But  she  heard  all 
the  more  sharply,  and  her  keen  ears  took  note 
of  whatever  passed  around  her. 

Since  that  memorable  night,  Gustav  Rosen  never 
again  forgot  his  mother  nor  Denmark.  For  a 
moment  he  had  stood  as  upon  a  swaying  rock, 
from  whence  a  breath  of  air  might  cast  him  upon 
this  side  or  that.  The  storm  that  burst  upon 
Castle  Torpa  had  stunned  him ;  the  massacre  of 
Stockholm  was  wiped  from  his  memory. 

He  neither  thought  nor  spoke  of  it ;  but  his 
heart  seemed  heavy  and  cold  since  the  night  when 

7 


98  KARINE. 


he  had  crossed  the  threshold  of  Karme's  room.  A 
great,  silent  pain  oppressed  him.  He  accused  her 
of  no  disloyalty  to  himself;  but  it  filled  him  with 
grief  that  she  should  commit  an  act  which  might 
throw  a  breath  of  suspicion  upon  her  fair  fame. 
He  realized  that  there  was  a  something,  a  formless 
shadow,  which  threatened  to  rise  up  between  them 
and  divide  their  hearts. 

Karine,  in  her  unsuspecting  innocence,  failed  to 
understand  his  feeling.  What  she  had  done  was 
so  unavoidable  that  it  could  not  have  been  other- 
wise. Now  that  no  promise  bound  her  to  silence, 
she  freely  told  him  all  the  details  of  the  evening's 
events.  Gustav  Folkung  was  not  the  first  fugitive 
who  had  found  shelter  in  Castle  Torpa.  But 
upon  former  occasions  the  persecuted  wanderers 
had  applied  to  the  lord  of  the  castle  himself;  and 
for  the  first  time  Karine  was  placed  under  the 
necessity  of  acting  upon  her  own  responsibility. 
Gustav  Rosen  listened  in  silence  as  she  related 
how  the  stranger's  commanding  manner  had  im- 
pressed her ;  how  anxious  she  had  felt  when  he 
attempted  to  enter  her  room,  since  she  had 
pledged   her  word  not  to  betray  Folkung's  pres- 


KARINE.  99 


ence ;  and  how  at  last,  daring  all,  she  had  hurried 
through  the  crowd  of  Danish  soldiers  to  reach  the 
rear  door. 

"  I  feared  that  in  your  surprise  you  might  be- 
tray him  before  I  could  warn  you.  Afterwards, 
we  heard  you  calling,  '  This  way,  this  way  ! '  in  the 
gallery.     Why  did  you  call  them?  " 

With  touching  innocence,  her  eyes  questioned 
his.  A  deep  flush  rose  to  his  forehead  as  he 
stammered,  — 

"  Forgive  me,  Karine  ;  I  was  unnerved  with  what 
I  had  seen  at  Stockholm,  and  I  thought  —  I  meant 
—  to  mislead  the  Danes." 

She  shook  her  head.  "  It  seems  that  you,  whom 
we  call  the  stronger  sex,  now  and  then  lose  your 
wits  entirely,  and  commit  the  most  foolish  blunders. 
Instead  of  misleading  the  Danes,  your  call  brought 
them  upon  us.  One  minute  more,  and  it  had 
been  too  late.  But  why  did  you  come  through 
the  passage  yourself  ?  " 

A  sudden  light  gleamed  in  the  young  man's 
eyes,  "After  what  I  had  seen  in  your  room  —  " 
He  checked  himself,  and  turned  away. 

"You  should  have  known  that  some  one  had 


lOO  KARINE. 


been  concealed  there,"  she  returned,  "  and  you 
should  have  been  doubly  careful ;  your  impru- 
dence might  have  exposed  me  to  the  most  dan- 
gerous suspicions." 

Gustav  Rosen's  eyes  met  hers ;  they  expressed 
the  same  gentle  reproach  he  had  felt  in  her  words. 
But  when  she  saw  he  was  pained,  the  old,  trusting 
love  beamed  upon  him ;  and,  deeply  moved,  he 
fell  upon  his  knees  and  stammered  :  — 

"  Forgive  me,  Karine  ;  forgive  me  !  " 

She  bcarcely  knew  what  to  forgive.  A  wide 
difference  lay  between  the  suspicion  of  which  she 
spoke  and  that  other  suspicion  for  which  his  tears, 
falling  upon  her  hand,  craved  pardon.  She  only 
said  again,  — 

"  You  are  so  strange,  Gustav." 

She  might  rather  have  said,  Jealousy  is  so 
strange  !  Jealousy,  the  double-headed  monster, 
which  fastens  upon  its  unhappy  prey  like  a  fever, 
blinding  his  eyes,  clouding  his  brain,  shaking  his 
bones ;  who  disturbs  his  sleep  with  the  quiver- 
ing of  a  leaf,  and  makes  him  afraid  of  a  shadow ; 
whom  in  lucid  moments  he  knows  as  his  dead- 
liest foe  ;    with  whom  he  wrestles  and  struggles ; 


KAKINE.  lOI 


whom  he  conquers  again  and  again,  only  to  yield 
anew. 

Gustav  Folkung's  name  never  passed  Rosen's 
lips ;  but  it  was  burned  in  his  heart,  as  if  with  red- 
hot  irons. 

The  month  of  December,  and  the  day  appointed 
for  the  wedding,  had  long  since  come  and  gone. 
Brita  Stenbock  said  this  was  no  time  for  merry- 
making, and  the  winter  was  indeed  a  dreary  one 
at  Castle  Torpa.  No  human  footprints  in  the  snow 
betokened  intercourse  with  the  outside  world.  The 
only  living  creatures  near  and  far  were  the  rooks 
that  flew  cawing  about  the  great  lonely  building. 
The  severe,  long-enduring  cold  tamed  even  them, 
and  they  gathered  in  flocks  around  the  kitchen 
door,  tearing  the  food  from  the  servants'  hands ; 
or  they  waited  for  hours  near  the  window,  from 
whence  Karine,  pitying  their  condition,  fed  them, 
together  with  her  doves.  Among  them  were  little 
graceful  creatures,  who  in  the  young  girl's  presence 
lost  their  shyness,  perching  fearlessly  upon  her 
shoulder,  and  pecking  the  grains  of  wheat  from 
her  hand. 

Through  them,  doubtless,  she  received  tidings  of 


102  KARINE. 


the  world  beyond  Torpa  ;  for  she  knew  all  that  was 
passmg,  although  no  human  foot  crossed  her  father's 
threshold.  She"  knew  of  the  rising  among  the 
Dalecarles,  the  "valley-men,"  into  whose  wild 
country  Gustav  Vasa  had  fled.  She  was  intimately 
acquainted  with  the  desperate  expedients  of  the 
unhappy  men  who,  having  escaped  the  massacre  of 
Stockholm,  were  hunted  through  the  kingdom  by 
Christian's  soldiers,  and  dragged  to  the  scaffold. 
At  Jonkoping,  a  nobleman  of  the  clan  of  the  Rib- 
blings,  together  with  his  two  sons,  eight  and  ten 
years  old,  was  beheaded  in  the  king's  presence. 
When  the  headsman,  moved  by  the  artless  prattle 
of  the  children,  refused  to  do  his  work,  he  was 
replaced  by  another  less  tender  of  heart. 

All  these  things  were  known  at  Torpa ;  but 
Brita  Stenbock  moved  no  muscle  of  her  face ;  no 
word  of  anger  escaped  her  lips.  It  was  clear  that 
the  house  of  Stenbock  had  made  its  peace  with  the 
King  of  Sweden ;  and  this  was  a  wise  course. 
Among  the  few  noble  families  still  left  in  Sweden, 
it  ranked  highest,  and  might  eventually,  by  the 
favor  of  the  king,  lay  claim  to  the  most  influential 
position  in  the  state,  next  to  himself.     Whispered 


/ 


KARINE.  103 


maledictions  and  words  of  scorn  rewarded  this 
treason  to  the  cause  of  their  country ;  and  it  was 
rumored  that  after  King  Christian's  return  to  Den- 
mark, Stenbock  would  be  made  regent  of  Sweden. 
The  few  who  refused  to  believe  these  reports  were 
silenced,  for  the  news  went  abroad  that  the  king 
would,  by  Stenbock's  invitation,  visit  Torpa  on  his 
way  to  Denmark,  and  honor  by  his  presence  the 
marriage  of  Karine  Stenbock  and  Gustav  Rosen. 

The  report  was  true.  Brita  Stenbock  herself 
had  requested  her  nephew  to  ask  this  favor  of  the 
king,  and  never  had  he  more  cheerfully  obeyed 
his  aunt's  bidding. 

The  April  winds  carried  the  first  warm  breath 
from  the  south,  when  Gustav  Rosen  left  Torpa 
and  rode  toward  Stockholm.  Then  he  sent  word 
that  the  king  had  consented,  and  would  reach 
Torpa  on  the  first  of  May.  He  himself  could  not 
return  sooner,  since  it  was  Christian's  wish  that  he 
should  remain  in  Stockholm  until  that  time,  and 
accompany  him  on  the  journey. 

April  is  not  a  spring  month  in  Sweden.  The 
snow  still  lay  around  Torpa,  and  the  rooks  still 
fluttered  expectantly  about  the  windows,  sat  upon 


I04  KARINE. 


Karine's  shoulder,  and  whispered  mto  her  ear  the 
mysterious  tidings  they  had  gathered  abroad. 

Sometimes  they  were  startled  by  sudden  noises 
in  the  old  house,  that  had  long  been  so  silent. 
Now  the  sound  of  labor  was  heard  all  day  long, 
and  the  busy  hands  were  not  allowed  to  rest  until 
all  should  be  in  readiness  for  the  reception  of  the 
honored  guest.  The  apartments  assigned  to  the 
king  and  his  retinue  were  in  the  left  wing  of 
the  casde.  In  a  large  hall  of  the  same  wing, 
an  altar  was  erected ;  and  the  whole  house,  in 
accordance  with  Northern  usage,  was  hung  with 
evergreen  and  mistletoe. 

From  morning  until  night,  the  noise  and  bustle 
never  ceased.  Brita  Stenbock's  blind  eyes  saw 
and  guided  all,  and  Karine's  glistened  strangely  as 
she  carried  out  her  mother's  orders.  Clearly,  this 
look  had  little  to  do  with  the  altar  they  were  build- 
ing in  the  great  hall.  It  was  the  look  which 
Gustav  Rosen  could  not  understand. 

The  night  brought  silence.  The  workmen  slept 
m  quarters  prepared  for  them  in  the  outbuildings. 
As  soon  as  they  left  the  house,  Stenbock  himself 
closed  the  portal,  and  drew  the  heavy  oaken  bolt. 


KARINE. 


105 


Before  daybreak  no  one  entered,  and  from  out- 
side no  sound  was  heard  in  the  great  building. 
But  within  there  were  soft  footsteps,  gently  falling, 
as  if  Karine's  rooks  had  found  an  entrance,  and 
were  fluttering,  under  cover  of  darkness,  upon  the 
narrow  staircases,  and  through  the  dim  passage- 
ways. 


CHAPTER   IV. 

EARLY  on  the  morning  of  the  first  of  May,  a 
brilHant  procession  crossed  the  Wetter  Lake. 
Many  an  eye  that  gazed  upon  the  bright  pageant 
may  have  looked  the  thoughts  which  the  coward 
lips  dared  not  express,  as  the  train  reached  the 
shore  and  proceeded  westward  by  the  broad  road, 
upon  which  the  peasants  for  weeks  past  had  spent 
days  and  nights  of  labor.  In  Dalecarlia,  these  lips 
would  scarcely  have  restrained  their  curses ;  and 
King  Christian  IL,  with  all  his  stately  retinue,  had 
not  ridden  so  calmly  past  the  stalwart  Sons  of  the 
Valley.  But  here  there  was  Httle  to  fear.  They 
called  this  the  first  of  May ;  but  winter  still  lay 
upon  Sweden,  and  held  it  in  its  icy  grasp. 


KARINE.  107 


With  gloomy  looks  Christian  rode  under  the 
pale  May  sun,  whose  chilly  beams  mocked  the 
name  which  men  had  given  this  month. 

The  horse  that  bore  the  king  was  black ;  while 
the  crimson  saddle-cloth  flamed  like  blood  upon 
his  dark  flanks.  With  knitted  brow  the  monarch 
surveyed  the  groups  by  the  wayside.  He  was 
sterner  than  ever  since  that  fateful  night  in  Stock- 
holm, and  deep  furrows  seamed  his  brow. 

The  only  one,  perhaps,  who  took  no  note  of 
these  things  was  Gustav  Rosen.  To  him  the 
frosty  sunbeams  seemed  warm  and  genial ;  and  to 
him  it  was  the  breath  of  spring  that  blew  across 
the  dreary  landscape.  He  saw,  only  respectful 
curiosity  in  the  glances  with  which  the  peasants 
met  the  approaching  procession.  By  the  king's 
command,  Rosen  rode  at  his  side ;  now  and  then 
the  former  spoke  a  few  words,  which  the  young 
man,  lost  in  his  smiling  dreams,  scarcely  heard ; 
nor  did  the  king  wait  for  an  answer,  but  followed, 
as  before,  the  current  of  his  own  thoughts.  The 
house  which  he  was  about  to  visit  was  of  no  small 
significance  for  his  plans.  In  Stenbock's  person 
the    entire   Swedish    nobility,    fugitives   since   the 


I08  KARINE. 


coronation  at  Stockholm,  rendered  him  homage ; 
and  in  addition,  he  had  won  Gustav  Rosen  for  his 
cause. 

They  crossed  the  batde-field  of  Falkoping,  and, 
rising  in  his  stirrups,  the  king  glanced  about  him. 

"  We  have  done  better  than  Dame  Semiramis, 
our  grandmother,"  he  suddenly  said  in  a  sharp 
voice.  "  The  Lady  Margaret  was  not  learned  in 
agriculture,  and  forgot  that  in  reclaiming  the  wild 
soil,  it  is  necessary  to  burn  out  the  stumps  and  to 
fertilize  the  land  with  blood.  Had  she  done  so  in 
her  day,  the  fair  daughters  of  this  land  would  doubt- 
less have  regarded  us  with  friendlier  eyes.  What 
think  you,  Rosen, — will  the  Rose  of  the  TroUhatta, 
for  the  sake  of  the  office  we  have  undertaken, 
overlook  our  years,  and  find  us  to  her  liking?" 
A  short,  harsh  laugh  followed  the  question,  and  his 
eyes  swiftly  scanned  the  puzzled  face  of  his  com- 
panion. Before  the  latter  had  found  an  answer, 
he  continued :  "  There  lie  the  bones,  Rosen, 
which  my  brave  forefathers  and  yours  have  heaped 
together ;  perhaps  at  this  very  moment  my  horse's 
hoof  is  crushing  the  skull  of  an  ancestor  of  yours, 
who  was  fool  enough  to  lose  his   life  for  such  a 


KARINE.  1 09 


thing  as  Sweden.  We  are  wiser,  Rosen ;  we 
bring  about  no  Union  of  Kalmar,  that  treads  flesh 
and  blood  in  the  dust,  —  no,  but  another  union, 
from  which  new  Hfe  shall  spring.  Let  us  make 
haste ;  it  is  growing  late,  and  the  Rose  of  the 
Trollhatta  awaits  us." 

His  Majesty  of  Sweden,  Norway,  and  Denmark 
was  in  a  mirthful  mood  that  day,  as  no  one 
had  seen  him  since  his  coronation  at  Stockholm. 
Those  near  him  exchanged  furtive  glances  of  sur- 
prise. His  laughter  boded  no  good.  Then  they 
put  spurs  to  their  horses,  and,  like  the  Wild 
Huntsmen,  dashed  after  the  king's  black  stallion 
over  the  field   of  FalkiJping. 

It  was  already  twilight  when  the  royal  train 
arrived  at  its  destination,  and  Castle  Torpa  was 
illuminated  with  hundreds  of  lamps  and  torches. 
The  master  of  the  house,  bareheaded,  welcomed 
his  guest  at  the  entrance.  Behind  a  curtain  in  one 
of  the  rooms  of  the  first  floor  stood  Karine,  and 
with  the  eyes  that  Gustav  Rosen  feared,  she  meas- 
ured the  king's  retinue.  Scarcely  seeing  her  lover's 
face,  she  glanced  aside  to  the  numerous  horsemen 
already  filling  the  court ;  to  the  numbers  thronging 


I  lO  KARINE. 


after  them,  their  halberds  gleaming  in  the  fitful 
torchlight.  Karine's  lips  counted,  and  her  face 
grew  pale.  She  staggered  for  a  moment,  clutched 
the  curtain  that  concealed  her,  and  then  silently 
hurried  away. 

Below,  Gustav  Rosen  held  the  king's  stirrup 
while  he  dismounted.  Christian  glanced  at  the 
vast  old  building,  now  light  as  day,  and  conde- 
scendingly offered  his  hand  to  his  host.  For  a 
second,  Stenbock,  like  his  daughter,  seemed  over- 
come by  a  sudden  faintness.  He  gazed  at  the 
royal  hand  without  touching  it,  then  raised  his 
own  to  wipe  away  the  cold  drops  that  had 
gathered  upon  his  forehead.  Christian  observed 
the  gesture,  and  frowned. 

•  "  You  invited  me  last  autumn,  Stenbock,  to  visit 
you;  I  received  your  message,"  he  said,  the  irony 
in  his  voice  intelligible  to  Stenbock  alone.  "  You 
did  not  deign  to  accept  our  invitation  to  Stock- 
holm ;  but  we  know  that  you  were  excused.  As 
you  see,  we  bear  you  no  grudge,  but  come  to 
you  to-day  as  your  guest,  and  only  await  your 
welcome." 

Something  in  his  words  seemed  to  restore  Sten- 


KARINE.  1 1 1 


bock's  strength.     He  grasped  the  proffered  hand, 
and  in  a  firm  voice  bade  the  king  welcome. 

Together  they  ascended  the  stairs  carpeted  with 
soft  rugs.  Seeing  his  people  crowding  after  him, 
the  king  turned. 

"  The  King  of  Sweden  is  safe  in  Gustav  Stenbock's 
house,"  he  said,  "and  needs  no  guard.  Select 
twelve  knights  to  accompany  us.  Captain  Torben ; 
the  rest  may  remain  below.  Come,  Stenbock,  we 
are  impatient  to  see  the  Rose  we  are  to  place  in 
Rosen's  hand  to-morrow;"  and  again  Christian 
laughed. 

At  his  first  words  Stenbock  had  grown  whiter 
than  the  wall  against  which  he  leaned ;  but  he 
quickly  recovered  himself,  and  conducted  his 
guests  to  the  halls  of  the  left  wing,  where  Brita 
Stenbock  awaited  them.  She  stood  erect  and 
stately  in  the  middle  of  the  first  room. 

"Do  I  stand  before  King  Christian  of  Sweden?  " 
she  asked  in  a  firm  voice. 

Stenbock  assented,  and  for  the  first  time  Chris- 
tian's rigid  features  betrayed  surprise.  He  knew 
that  he  was  in  the  presence  of  Denmark's  most 
embittered  enemy,  —  a  woman  of  whom  he  be- 


112  -KARINE. 


lieved  that  she  would  more  willingly  bow  her  head 
to  the  executioner's  sword  than  to  him.  A  gleam 
of  real  pleasure  quivered  over  his  dark  face  as 
Brita  Stenbock  continued,  — 

"  You  are  welcome,  King  Christian  !  I  thank 
you  in  the  name  of  my  country ;  for  I  trust  that 
your  sojourn  in  our  house  will  be  for  Sweden's 
good."  Brita  Stenbock  neither  hesitated  nor  turned 
pale  as  she  spoke.  Her  gray  head  proudly  raised, 
her  sightless  eyes  looking  straight  before  her,  she 
stood  waiting  for  the  hand  of  the  king,  who  in 
evident  confusion  took  hers  and  led  her  to  the 
head  of  the  long  table  in  the  adjoining  banqueting- 
hall.  She  seated  herself  by  his  side,  and  fulfilled 
her  duties  as  hostess  as  though  her  eyes  were 
overlooking  all.  It  was  evident,  from  the  pre- 
cision with  which  the  blind  woman  maintained 
the  dignity  of  her  house,  that  she  must  be  of  ex- 
traordinary character.  Now  King  Christian  raised 
his  glass  and  touched  that  of  his  hostess,  held 
with  an  unwavering  hand. 

"To  the  welfare  of  this  house  !  "  he  said,  and 
drank. 

"  To  the  welfare  of  Sweden  !  "  responded  Brita 


KARINE.  1 1 3 


Stenbock,  calmly  emptying  her  glass  and  leaning 
back  in  her  chair.  The  lights  from  the  walls  were 
reflected  in  the  massive  silver  upon  the  table,  and 
sparkled  in  the  red  wine ;  a  delicious  odor  of 
savory  meats  filled  the  hall.  The  king's  look 
bespoke  contentment,  although  his  eyes  roved 
searchingly  about  the  room.  By  degrees  a  cer- 
tain impatience  became  visible,  and,  turning  to 
his  hostess,  he  asked,  — 

"  And  the  queen  of  the  festivities,  to  which  we 
were  bidden,  where  is  she?  Methinks  I  see  a 
pair  of  expectant  eyes  that  ask  the  same  question, 
and  with  greater  right  than  I." 

He  waved  his  hand  in  the  direction  of  Gustav 
Rosen,  who  sat  mute  in  the  midst  of  the  guests, 
blind  and  deaf  to  his  surroundings.  As  soon  as 
he  was  able  to  leave  the  king,  he  had  gone  to  seek 
his  betrothed ;  but  he  failed  to  find  her.  Those 
he  asked  had  just  seen  her,  yet  no  one  knew 
where  she  was.  Lost  in  thought,  Rosen  saw  noth- 
ing of  the  king's  gesture.  But  at  the  same  mo- 
ment he  sprang  to  his  feet,  radiant  with  joy,  for 
she  of  whom  he  was  thinking  appeared  on  the 
threshold. 

8 


114  KARINE. 


Karine  was  still  pale  ;  but  in  the  ruddy  light  of 
the  torches  her  pallor  enhanced  her  beauty.  She 
wore  a  heavy  white  trailing  dress,  confined  at  the 
waist  by  a  blue  girdle,  —  blue  and  white  being  the 
Swedish  colors.  Her  hair  lay  in  sunny  luxuriance 
upon  her  shoulders,  and  she  was  indescribably 
lovely  as,  with  queenly  bearing,  she  stepped  into 
the  full  light  of  the  room.  All  eyes  turned  toward 
her ;  every  hand  that  had  lifted  a  glass  sank 
down. 

Only  two,  however,  rose  to  their  feet,  —  Gustav 
Rosen  and  King  Christian. 

"Truly,  Rose  of  the  TroUhatta  !  "  the  latter  ex- 
claimed, approaching  her,  "  I  need  not  hear  your 
name,  to  know  who  you  are.  You  are  guilty  of 
high  treason  for  every  moment  you  deprive  us  of 
your  presence ;  and  as  a  punishment  we  will  for 
this  evening  part  you  from  your  betrothed.  The 
Queen  of  Sweden  is  not  in  the  place  which  belongs 
to  her,  —  at  my  right  hand ;  and  after  her,  you 
have  the  first  claim  to  it.  And,"  turning  to  the 
guests,  "  we  ask  you  all  to  follow  our  example,  and 
greet  the  queen  of  the  evening." 

Karine  met  her  lover's  eyes  with  a  hasty  wel- 


KARINE.  1 1  5 


coming  glance,  then  with  proud  dignity  took  her 
place  by  the  side  of  Christian,  who,  standing, 
emptied  his  glass  in  her  honor.  The  courtiers 
bowed  deeply  before  the  daughter  of  their  host. 
Something  in  the  king's  glance,  as  it  rested  upon 
her  face,  caused  them  to  show  her  deeper  rever- 
ence than  had  she  been  the  queen  herself  in  her 
palace  at  Copenhagen.  Gustav  Rosen  scarcely 
trusted  his  eyes.  Was  this  Karine,  who,  for  her 
country's  tyrant,  could  forget  her  love?  Her  eyes 
—  with  the  look  he  feared  —  hung  upon  every 
movement  of  King  Christian,  Yet  she  smiled 
upon  him,  and  he  drank  the  wine  she  poured 
into  his  glass. 

"She  is  lovelier  than  the  Dove  of  Amsterdam," 
the  courtiers  furtively  whispered  to  each  other. 
"  She  will  bring  good  fortune  to  Sweden." 

Had  Karine  Stenbock  discerned  but  one  road 
leading  to  Sweden's  salvation,  —  the  road  which 
Esther  in  the  olden  time  took  to  the  throne  of 
the  Persian  king  ?  Truly,  you  are  a  strong  woman, 
Karine,  and  posterity  will  admire,  perhaps  bless 
you ;  but  your  love  was  false,  your  heart  worthless. 
Pause,   Karine,   before  it  is  too   late  !     You   still 


Il6  KARINE. 


tremble,  and  your  eyes,  as  if  overcome  by  a  sud- 
den dread,  still  seek  your  father's  glance.  Is  it 
he  who  has  sold  you  for  Sweden's  deliverance,  — 
whose  unwavering  eye  gives  his  daughter  cour- 
age to  tread  the  path  that  leads  to  treason  against 
Gustav  Rosen? 

It  was  a  merry  night,  such  as  Torpa  had  not 
witnessed  for  many  years.  King  Christian  was 
ordinarily  of  most  temperate  habits;  since  the 
massacre  of  Stockholm  he  drank  no  wine  that 
had  not  first  been  tasted  by  another.  But  by 
Karine's  side  his  suspicions  vanished,  and  he  emp- 
tied his  glass  as  often  as  her  white  hands  filled  it. 
His  eyes  hung  upon  her  face  ;  the  wine  overmas- 
tered his  tongue,  and  he  no  longer  whispered,  but 
spoke  loud  enough  for  Brita  Stenbock  to  hear  every 
word  he  addressed  to  her  daughter.  But,  like  her 
husband,  she  sat  immovable  upon  her  richly  carven 
chair.  Gustav  Rosen  filled  his  glass  frequently 
from  the  silver  flagon  before  him.  He  sought  to 
escape  from  his  thoughts,  and  dull  his  brain. 
Midnight  was  past.  The  king  evidently  wished 
to  withdraw,  yet  hesitated.  He  opened  his  lips, 
and  closed  them  again. 


KARINE.  1 1  7 


"  Lovely  Karine,"  he  whispered  at  last,  "  it  is 
time  for  us  to  part ;  but  before  the  day  breaks  I 
must  speak  with  you  again.  Will  you  await  me  ? 
If  you  refuse,  I  will  have  my  horse  saddled  now, 
immediately,  and  another  may  lead  you  to  the 
altar  —  if  I  permit  it.  Do  not  answer.  Drink  to 
me  if  you  consent." 

This  time  the  king  had  spoken  so  low  that  no 
one  but  Karine  heard  him.  She  lifted  her  glass, 
but  her  hand  trembled,  and  the  red  wine  ran  upon 
the  table.  Sorely  troubled,  her  eyes  sought  her 
father's. 

"Courage,"  said  Stenbock's  unflinching  glance, 
"  courage  !  "  and  Karine  touched  the  king's  glass 
with  her  own,  and  drank. 

"See  to  it,"  he  whispered,  "  to  have  my  people 
so  lodged  that  they  will  not  disturb  us.  I  have 
much  to  say  to  you,  Karine  —  " 

The  girl's  strength  was  spent.  Wearily  her 
head  sank  back  against  her  chair.  The  king 
rose. 

"  Our  queen  is  tired,"  he  said  in  a  loud  voice, 
once  more  filling  his  glass.  "  Let  us  drink  to  her 
pleasant  dreams." 


Il8  KARINE. 


Once  more  the  glasses  rang,  and  the  courtiers 
bowed  before  the  new  sun  that  had  so  unex- 
pectedly risen  before  their  eyes  at  midnight. 
Then  they  prepared  to  follow  the  king ;  but  he 
restrained  them  with  a  motion  of  his  hand. 

"  We  require  no  guard,  Captain  Torben,  and 
wish  to  rest  undisturbed.  Our  hospitable  host  has 
no  doubt  provided  lodgings,  where  you  can  recover 
from  the  effects  of  his  excellent  wines.  We  thank 
you,  Stenbock.  Rosen  will  permit  us  the  privilege 
of  saluting  our  hostess,  according  to  the  old  cus- 
tom." At  these  words  he  threw  his  arm  around 
Karine's  shoulder,  and  kissed  her  forehead.  "  In 
an  hour,"  he  whispered. 

Esther's  battle  was  won.  "  In  an  hour,"  she 
calmly  repeated. 


CHAPTER  V. 


ALL  is  silent  in  Castle  Torpa.  Night  lies 
upon  Sweden ;  the  shadows  of  clouds  chase 
one  another  in  the  moonlight  over  the  battle-fields 
of  Falkoping  and  Bogesund,  and  the  waves  of 
the  Malar  plash  against  the  deserted  palace-steps 
at  Stockholm,  washing  away  the  last  blood-stains 
from  the  granite  masonry.  They  carry  westward 
the  new  spring's  greeting ;  the  waters  of  Hjelmar 
hear  it,  and  speed  it  farther  over  the  boundless 
surface  of  Lake  Wener,  Then  the  Trollhatta 
thunders  it  forth  :     The  spring  is  at  hand. 

Karine's  rooks  have  heard  the  tidings,  and  are 
abroad  this  moonlit  May  night.  Perhaps  they 
fear  the  glittering  halberds,  that  crowd  the  court 
and  garden  of  Torpa,  and  they  therefore  assemble 


120  K A  MINE. 


by  the  lonely  brink  of  the  Trollhatta.  One  day  of 
sunshine  has  not  conquered  the  snow,  which  still 
covers  the  rocky  hillside ;  and  upon  it  the  black 
figures  are  distinctly  visible.  The  night  is  so  clear, 
one  might  count  the  silent  figures,  as  they  approach 
by  the  Gota-Elf,  —  there  are  just  forty  of  them ; 
and  when  they  have  crossed  the  river,  they  climb 
the  steep  shore,  and  suddenly  disappear,  one  by 
one,  in  the  earth,  where  they  have  no  doubt  built 
their  nests ;  and  as  if  scattered  by  the  wind,  they 
have  vanished  from  the  snow-covered  moonlit 
valley. 

Only  the  steady  footfall  of  the  guards,  pacing  to 
and  fro,  disturbs  the  silence  that  rests  upon  Torpa. 
Within  the  vast  building,  the  lamps  and  torches 
have  been  extinguished.  On  the  second  floor, 
Captain  Torben  and  his  companions  rest  upon  soft 
couches.  Stenbock's  wine  has  thrown  them  into  a 
deep  sleep,  and  none  of  them  hear  the  roaring  of 
the  Trollhatta,  that  thunders  through  the  night. 

In  a  lofty,  dimly  lighted  room.  Christian  II.  re- 
clines in  a  curiously  carved  armchair.  For  a 
moment  he  throws  himself  upon  the  silken  couch, 
above  which  glitters  a  golden  crown ;  but  excite- 


KARINE.  121 


ment  makes  him  restless.  With  fixed  eyes  he 
gazes  upon  the  crimson  curtains,  which,  in  the 
uncertain  hght  of  the  lamp,  fall  like  streams  of 
blood  from  the  ceiling  to  the  floor.  Softly  they 
are  stirred  by  the  air  from  the  open  window,  and 
it  seems  to  him  as  if  the  blood  flowed  slowly  down 
the  wall.  Since  last  autumn  the  monarch  of  the 
kingdoms  of  the  North  has  grown  timorous  and 
superstitious.  The  red  color  makes  him  shudder : 
he  starts  from  his  seat,  and  stares  at  the  waving 
curtains. 

No ;  at  this  moment  he  is  not  thinking  of  the 
bloody  heads  that,  last  November,  rolled  at  his 
feet.  A  stronger  fascination  has  banished  his  fear. 
His  fancy  sees  another  head,  whose  golden  hair 
falls  upon  snowy  shoulders. 

You  have  won,  Esther.  By  to-morrow  morning 
you  will  have  vanquished  the  savage  conqueror  of 
your  country;  and  Sweden's  deliverance,  after 
which  your  eyes  have  yearned  so  long  in  vain, 
rests  in  your  white  hand. 

Karine  stands  in  her  chamber,  her  hand  pressed 
upon  her  heart.  Her  face  is  as  pale  as  when 
she  sat  at  table  by  Christian's  side.      But  she  no 


122  KARINE. 


longer  tremble-s,  and  she  too  watches  anxiously  in 
the  death-like  silence.  Now  her  listening  ear 
catches  the  sound  of  a  soft  footfall  approaching, 
not  by  the  passage-way,  but  through  the  adjoining 
room,  and  pausing  at  the  door,  through  which,  last 
year,  Gustav  Folkung  looked  unseen  upon  Brita 
Stenbock's  face.  An  almost  inaudible  tapping, 
and  hastily,  noiselessly,  Karine  draws  the  bolt,  and 
opens  the  door.  In  a  moment  Gustav  Rosen's 
arms  are  holding  her  close,  and  he  whispers,  — 

"  You  would  have  driven  me  mad,  Karine,  —  but 
for  this.  After  a  month  of  restless  days  and  nights, 
I  return,  only  to  see  you  at  a  distance  —  without  a 
look,  without  a  greeting  —  "  His  voice  rose  with 
emotion  ;  the  girl  freed  herself  from  his  arms,  and 
anxiously  covered  his  lips  with  her  hand. 

"  Hush  !  "  she  whispered,  her  lips  close  to  his  ear, 
and  her  eyes  fastened  upon  the  opposite  door. 
"  In  a  few  moments  King  Christian  will  enter 
through  that  door.  I  am  afraid  of  him,  and 
therefore  I  called  you.  You  are  my  best  pro- 
tector, Gustav;  and  you  will  wait  in  the  next 
room.  It  was  all  to  be  different,  and  my  mother 
bade  me  tell  you  nothing.     But  now  the  court  and 


KARINE.  123 


garden  are  filled  with  armed  men,  and  everything 
is  changed.  1  could  not  have  undertaken  it  if  I 
had  not  known  that  you  would  be  with  me." 

The  young  man  stared,  speechless ;  he  failed  to 
understand  her  meaning.  More  closely  her  lips 
were  pressed  to  his  ear ;  the  few  hasty  words  she 
whispered  made  him  stagger  with  horror. 

"Here  —  "  he  stammered  breathlessly,  "  where  I 
have  brought  him  —  where  my  honor  is  pledged  — 
never  !  "  he  stammered,  breathless. 

Karine's  blue  eyes  rested  with  a  troubled  light 
upon  his  face. 

"  Gustav,"  she  asked  with  faltering  lips,  "  are 
you  not  a  Swede  ?  Only  to  a  Swede  can  I  give  my 
hand." 

Anxiously,  with  despair  in  his  face,  he  gazed  at 
her.  "  The  time  presses ;  the  king  may  at  any 
moment  leave  his  room,"  she  continued  hurriedly. 
"  The  gleam  of  his  light,  as  he  comes  through  the 
gallery,  will  be  the  signal  for  Gustav  Folkung  — " 

She  paused  to  listen.  Her  eyes,  turned  away 
from  Rosen's  face,  did  not  see  the  frenzied  light 
that  suddenly  flickered  over  his  disturbed  features. 
One  word  only  was  needed  to  drive  him  to  utter 


124  KARINE. 


madness,  and  Karine  had  uttered  it,  —  the  name 
which  the  two-headed  monster  in  his  heart  clutched 
at,  and  held  up  in  triumph. 

"Gustav  Folkung,"  and  he  laughed  aloud. 
"  Is  he  coming  to  take  you  away  ?  —  Gustav 
Folkung." 

Unconsciously  he  thrust  aside  Karine,  who  clung 
to  him,  and  sprang  to  the  door,  which  he  flung 
open. 

The  sound  of  his  voice,  the  resonant  tread  of 
his  hurrying  feet,  seemed  to  have  wakened  an  echo 
in  the  furthermost  end  of  the  passage  leading  to 
the  steps  in  the  rear  of  the  house.  A  murmur  of 
voices  is  heard  from  below ;  objects  are  moving 
confusedly;  some  one  cries,  "Treason!"  another 
exclaims,  "  Back  !  "  but  a  firmer  voice  com- 
mands, "  Forward  !  "  These  are  Karine's  rooks. 
They  crept  into  the  earth ;  and  out  of  the 
earth  they  rise  again.  None  will  give  the  other 
precedence ;  crowding  closely  together,  they  rush 
forward  through  the  narrow  gallery. 

One  second  more,  and  the  man  in  flowing 
garments,  who  is  coming  nearer,  shading  his  light 
with  his  hand,  will  find  his  retreat  cut  ofl".     King 


KARINE.  125 


Christian's  fevered  senses  perceived  nothing.     He 
advanced. 

Then  Gustav  Rosen,  like  a  madman,  springs 
toward  the  king,  and  cUitches  his  arm. 

"  Save  yourself !  "  he  cries,  and  forces  him  back 
toward  his  apartment.  "  You  are  betrayed  !  Gustav 
Vasa  has  entered  the  castle  by  an  underground 
passage  !  " 

These  are  not  rooks  that  throng  the  corridors ; 
they  are  Dalecarles,  of  herculean  build,  each  of 
whom  might  have  carried  the  monarch  of  the 
Northern  kingdoms,  like  a  little  child,  upon  his 
hands.  Gustav  Stenbock  is  their  leader ;  and  head- 
long they  rush  onward.  The  plan  has  miscarried. 
Silence  is  now  no  longer  necessary,  but  haste. 

"Where  is  the  tyrant?" 

They  have  met  Karine,  hurrying  after  her  lover, 
and  she  shows  them  the  way.  In  her  eyes  the 
soft  beams  are  quenched ;  her  lips  quiver  with 
scorn  and  anger ;  she  calls,  "  He  has  fled  to  his 
room  ;  Gustav' Rosen  has  betrayed  us  !  " 

A  wild  curse  leaps  from  the  lips  of  the  foremost ; 
and,  sword  in  hand,  Gustav  Folkung  hastens 
away  in  the  direction  indicated. 


126  KARINE. 


The  fugitives  are  still  in  the  corridor.  The 
king's  light  went  out,  and  they  have  missed  the 
door.  Their  life,  Sweden's  fate,  hangs  upon  a 
second  of  time. 

But  Gustav  Rosen  knows  even  in  the  dark  every 
footbreadth  in  Castle  Torpa.  His  groping  fingers 
have  found  the  door ;  and,  drawing  the  king  into 
the  room,  he  pushes  the  bolt,  just  as  Folkung's 
hand  clutches  the  brass  knob  on  the  outside. 

But  the  door  resists,  and  in  answer,  they  hear 
Gustav  Rosen's  voice  calling  out  of  the  window  : 

"  Help  !    Help  !     They  will  murder  the  king  !  " 

With  one  rude  blow  the  stillness  of  the  night 
has  vanished,  A  hundred  calls  are  heard  from  every 
side.  With  clanking  arms  the  soldiers  mount  the 
broad  staircase.  Overhead,  Captain  Torben  and 
his  companions  leap  from  their  beds ;  half  dressed, 
they  grasp  their  swords  and  stagger  downstairs. 
They  meet  Stenbock  and  his  men,  endeavoring  to 
enter  the  king's  apartment  through  the  banquet- 
ing-hall.  The  spears  with  which  the  Dalecarles 
are  hunting  the  royal  bear  in  his  den,  strike  with 
deadly  force  the  naked  breasts  of  the  Danes. 
Still  heavy  with  sleep,  Knut  Torben  totters  toward 


KARINE.  127 


the  gray-haired,  Berserk  form  of  the  lord  of  the 
castle,  and  cries,  — 

"  We  were  sleeping  under  your  roof,  Gustav  Sten- 
bock.     Is  this  Swedish  hospitality?  " 

"  Stockholm's  hospitality,  Knut  Torben.  We 
learned  it  from  you,"  he  thunders,  as  his  sword 
smites  the  captain's  temple ;  who  with  a  cry 
sinks  to  the  ground  beside  the  very  chair  upon 
which,  a  few  hours  since,  he  sat,  drinking  to  the 
daughter  of  the  man  who  has  crushed  his  careless 
skull.  Around  the  table  the  combat  rages.  Silver 
vessels  fly  through  the  air  ;  but  the  dying  Danes 
have  for  a  moment  forced  the  valley-men  away 
from  their  king's  door,  and  Rosen's  call  brings 
help  from  all  quarters.  The  torches  which  the 
soldiers  have  lighted  make  the  halls  and  passages 
light  as  day. 

"  Back  !  We  are  lost !  "  shouts  Stenbock.  The 
Dalecarles  are  but  forty,  to  a  hundred  Danes.  It 
would  be  madness  longer  to  pursue  their  object ; 
and  now  they  are  in  danger  of  seeing  their  retreat 
cut  off.  Stenbock  calls  to  Folkung,  who  turns  to 
Karine,  standing  like  one  stunned,  and  gazing  at 
the  approaching  Danes. 


128  KARINE. 

"  We  will  meet  again,  Christian,"  he  mutters 
between  his  teeth.  Then,  with  a  strength  surpas- 
sing even  that  of  his  wild  followers,  he  forces  the 
half-senseless  girl  c^way;  the  others  cover  his 
retreat.  Like  Leonidas'  band  at  Thermopylae, 
they  struggle  in  the  narrow  passage.  Their  short 
weapons  are  powerless  against  the  Danish  halberds  ; 
but  in  falling,  their  bodies  block  the  way. 

Now  Christian,  in  his  coat  of  mail,  steps  through 
the  door  that  has  baffled  his  assailants.  Gustav 
Rosen  follows.  Deadly  pale,  he  surveys  the  tem- 
pest which  his  outcry  has  brought  down  upon  the 
tranquil  home  of  his  childhood.  The  torches  throw 
a  lurid,  hideous  glare  upon  the  mute  faces  on  the 
ground.  His  eye  catches  a  glimpse  of  something 
white  at  the  end  of  the  passage.  It  is  Karine's 
dress.  Roused  from  his  lethargy,  he  runs  back, 
and  hurries  down  the  main  stairway ;  he  leads  the 
soldiers,  whom  he  still  finds  in  the  court,  around 
the  corner  into  the  garden  to  the  door,  through 
which  Karine,  many  months  ago,  secretly  admitted 
Gustav  Folkung. 

"  Here  ■  "  he  cries  ;  and  with  the  weighty  halberd, 
snatched  from  the  hand  of  the  nearest  Dane,  he 


KARINE.  129 


strikes  against  the  wood.  A  hundred  blows  follow 
his.  The  door  yields,  and  with  a  crash  falls  under 
Rosen's  impetuosity.  Again,  upon  the  same  spot, 
he  stands  face  to  face  with  Gustav  Folkung's  flam- 
ing eyes.  But  they  have  no  power  over  him. 
Heedless  of  the  spears  of  the  Dalecarles,  who 
throng  after  their  leader,  he  grasps  the  shoulder 
of  his  betrothed.  She  lies  senseless  in  Folkung's 
arm,  while  with  his  right  hand  he  thrusts  open  the 
heavy  oaken  door  that  leads  downward  into  the 
earth. 

*'  Karine  !  "  cried  the  youth,  "  Karine  !  " 

In  his  voice  lay  despairing  anguish,  such  as  might 
have  called  the  dying  to  life.  It  rouses  Karine  ; 
the  cry  of  love  trembles  through  every  fibre  of  her 
heart ;  she  opens  her  eyes  and  looks  at  him. 

"  Karine  !  " 

"  Go,  traitor  !  "  A  shudder  runs  through  her 
body,  and  her  hand  motions  him  back. 

Gustav  Rosen  had  raised  his  arm  to  seize  Folkung, 
but  before  Karine's  glance  his  hand  sank  powerless. 
Her  white  dress  vanished,  as  if  swallowed  by  the 
earth,  behind  the  massive  door.  Motionless,  as  if 
struck  by  lightning,  the  youth  stands  face  to  face 

9 


I  ^o  KARIXE. 


with  the  fierce  v^alley-men,  the  soldiers  endeavoring 
to  shield  him.  At  this  end  of  the  passage  the  con- 
flict begins  anew,  but  this  time  it  turns  in  favor  of 
the  Swedes,  who,  surrounded  on  all  sides,  succeed 
with  the  strength  of  despairing  men  in  forcing 
the  Danes  to  the  outer  door,  and  maintaining. their 
own  position.  The  soldiers,  believing  them  pris- 
oners within,  abate  their  eagerness,  not  to  drive 
the  desperate  men  to  extremities.  A  dozen  Dale- 
carles,  pierced  by  halberds,  lie  upon  the  ground, 
among  half  a  hundred  of  the  king's  mercenaries ; 
but  the  remaining  ones  reach  the  oaken  door, 
which  the  last  one,  fighting  on  its  threshold,  closes 
with  a  mighty  crash,  and  secures  on  the  inside 
with  heavy  bolts.  Wounded  and  bleeding,  he  fol- 
lows his  mates,  who,  as  if  treading  on  living  coals, 
speed  through  the  long  dark  passage.  It  has,  from 
time  immemorial,  saved  many  lives  in  seasons  of 
sore  distress ;  it  saves  them  now. 

The  foremost,  indeed,  bears  in  his  arms  another 
burden  than  that  which  he  came  to  carry  away. 
It  was  to  be  a  man ;  and  it  is  a  young  girl.  He 
should  have  worn  upon  his  head  the  golden  crown 
of  the  three  kingdoms  of  the  North ;    and   from 


KARINE.  I  3  I 


Karine's  unconscious  brow  flow  only  dishevelled 
masses  of  golden  hair.  Nearer  and  stronger  their 
footsteps  resound  beneath  the  trembling  earth. 
They  have  reached  the  spot  where  a  few  hours 
since  the  rooks  disappeared  among  the  rocks. 
With  his  knee,  Folkung  forces  aside  the  stone  that 
closes  the  entrance,  and,  with  the  fresh  air  that 
meets  them,  the  deafening  roar  of  the  Trollhatta 
strikes  their  ears.  It  rouses  Karine,  and  her  limbs 
shiver  in  the  cool  breath  of  the  early  dawn.  Ten- 
derly, as  if  she  were  a  child,  her  protector  folds 
his  cloak  around  her,  and  turns  stream-upwards. 
The  others  follow.  A  shrill  whistle,  an  answer  from 
the  opposite  shore  of  the  Elf,  and  a  broad,  dark 
object  rapidly  crosses  the  river.  It  proves  to  be  a 
large  ferry-boat,  brought  dowfl  from  the  lake.  It 
strikes  the  bank,  and  already  Folkung  is  within, 
resting  his  charge  upon  some  rugs  at  the  bottom 
of  the  boat.  Stenbock  follows  with  knitted  brows, 
and  the  Dalecarles  crowd  after  him.  Suddenly 
there  is  confusion.  Looking  about  her,  Karine 
exclaims,  "  Where  is  my  mother?" 

Stenbock  utters  a  cry  :  "  We  have  forgotten  her ; 
she  is  in  the  tyrant's  hand  ;  we  must  go  back." 


132  KARINE. 


"  Impossible,"  answers  their  leader's  calm  voice  ; 
"  it  would  be  certain  death,  and  altogether  useless." 
Stenbock  refuses  to  listen,  and  forces  his  way  through 
the  crowded  boat,  when  a  cry  reaches  them,  — 

"Here  they  are — hold  them — into  the  water 
—  a  boat!  " 

Gustav  Rosen,  the  only  one  acquainted  with  the 
subterranean  road,  in  his  despair,  after  the  last  of 
the  Dalecarles  had  disappeared,  gathered  together 
a  few  soldiers,  and  led  them  over  the  hills  to  the 
Trollhatta.  But  again  he  came  too  late.  Folkung's 
commanding  voice  was  heard,  — 

"  Fonvard  !  Sweden  is  of  more  value  than  a 
woman,  even  though  her  name  be  Brita  Stenbock." 

The  oars  struck  the  water,  and  with  lightning 
speed  the  boat  cleft  the  waves.  The  Danes  raised 
their  spears,  to  throw  them  into  the  dense  crowd 
of  fugitives ;  but  Rosen  sprang  before  their  weap- 
ons, crying  in  terror,  — 

"No  —  you  will  kill  her  —  no!"  Astonished, 
the  soldiers  obeyed.  Then  they  sprang  forward  and 
held  the  youth,  who  had  plunged  into  the  water 
to  swim  after  the  boat.  They  drew  him  back  and 
listened  indifferently  to  his  heart-rending  wail,  — 


KARINE.  133 


"  Karine  —  Karine  !  " 

His  call  was  distinctly  heard  by  those  in  the 
boat;  by  all  but  Gustav  Stenbock,  whose  gray 
head  was  buried  in  his  cloak,  to  hide  the  tears 
that  rose  from  his  heart,  —  as  scorching  and  as 
hopeless  as  the  young  man's,  who  mourned  for  what 
he  never  possessed.  But  Folkung  and  Karine  heard 
the  loud,  despairing  cry,  — 

"Gustav  Vasa,  I  will  do  whatever  you  com- 
mand me  ;  give  her  back  to  me,  Gustav  Vasa," 

Karine  started,  and  in  the  uncertain  light  peered 
eagerly  into  her  companion's  face.  "  By  what  name 
does  he  call  you?     Are  you  Gustav  Erikson?" 

Folkung  nodded.  "  I  am,  Karine  ;  you  hear  it 
by  your  lover's  last  greeting." 

He  smiled  bitterly  as  he  said  it,  and  quickly 
stepped  before  the  girl,  to  shield  her  from  the 
spears  that  suddenly  came  hissing  through  the 
air,  and  fell,  splashing,  into  the  water.  The  Danes, 
when  they  heard  the  Swedish  leader's  name,  were 
no  longer  to  be  controlled  ;  and,  howling  with  rage, 
they  hurled  after  him  their  deadly  missiles.  But 
the  distance  was  widening,  and,  with  a  few  strokes 
of  the  oar,  the  Dalecarles  were  beyond  their  reach. 


1 34  KARINE. 


"  Do  you  wish  to  go  back  to  Gustav  Rosen, 
Karine?"  asked  Folkung.  "Say  so,  and  I  myself 
will  take  you  to  him."  It  was  the  same  sharp 
voice  with  which  he  had  spoken  to  her  last 
autumn,  by  the  Trollhatta ;  and  it  seemed  as  if 
the  motion  of  the  boat  were  trembling  through 
his  words.     Karine  answered,  without  hesitation  : 

"  Never  !  between  us  lies  an  abyss,  as  between 
this  side  of  the  Trollhatta  and  that.  My  heart  no 
longer  belongs  to  him  who  could  betray  Sweden." 

Gustav  Erikson's  strong  lips  trembled  visibly. 
"  But  to  him  who  delivers  Sweden,  Karine  ?  Does 
your  heart  belong  to  him  who  frees  Sweden  from 
Christian's  yoke?" 

She  shuddered ;  she  tried  to  speak,  but  at  the 
same  moment  the  boat  struck  the  shore ;  she 
staggered,  and  would  have  fallen,  had  not  Gustav 
Vasa's  arm  caught  her.  He  held  her  cold  hand 
in  his,  and,  bending  down,  whispered  again,  — 

"  Who  can  deserve  this  hand,  Karine?" 

"  This  hand  —  "  it  had  already  grown  so  light 
that  the  color  in  her  cheeks,  changing  from  pallor  to 
burning  red,  could  be  plainly  seen  ;  her  glowing  eyes 
sought  her  father's  bowed  form,  and  then,  stead- 


KARINE.  T35 

fastly  looking  into  the  face  of  the  man  by  her 
side,  she  continued  —  "  this  hand  is  free,  Gustav 
Erikson,  and  shall  belong  to  him  who  achieves  two 
thinsfs  — "  The  waters  of  the  Trollhatta  drown 
Karine's  hurried  words.  These  are  the  waters 
of  which  the  legend  relates  that  a  bard  stood  upon 
their  shores,  and,  overcome  by  the  fascination  of 
the  thundering  stream,  leaped  headlong  into  its 
depths. 

Did  she  think  of  it,  as  she  shivered  in  the  morn- 
ing air,  and  gazed  upon  the  grim,  rolling  waves? 
Her  face  was  grave.  Her  companion's  face  changed 
when  he  heard  her  whispered  words.  Then  he  bowed 
deeply  before  Karine  Stenbock,  and  answered  : 

"  I  said  once  that  Sweden  was  of  more  value 
than  a  woman.  You  are  the  first  woman,  Karine 
Stenbock,  that  has  shaken  my  will.  Upon  your 
head  be  Sweden's  future,  if  it  is  lost  for  such  a 
cause." 

Again  he  bowed  with  knightly  grace,  and  joined 
the  Dalecarles,  who  had  already  landed.  Choos- 
ing four  from  among  their  number,  he  spoke  to 
them  in  a  low  voice.  The  hearts  of  the  valley- 
men  were  unacquainted  with  fear;  otherwise  the 


136  KARINE. 


expression  of  their  faces  might  have  been  mistaken 
for  alarm ;  neither  did  they  dream  of  disobeying 
their  leader.  At  a  sign  from  him,  they  re-entered 
the  boat,  while  he  approached  Stenbock.  The 
few  words  he  spoke  brought  new  life  into  the  sad 
eyes,  and  Stenbock  made  a  hasty  motion  toward  the 
boat.  But  Gustav  Vasa  detained  him,  speaking 
more  urgently,  until  Stenbock  reluctantly  assented, 
and,  grasping  the  young  man's  hand,  shook  it  long 
and  heartily,  after  true  Swedish  fashion. 

''  They  all  obey  him,"  thought  Karine,  observing 
his  proud,  almost  regal  bearing.  He  joined  the 
four  already  in  the  boat,  and  remained  standing, 
as  with  heavy  strokes  they  pushed  from  the  shore. 

A  greeting  from  the  departing  boat  interrupted 
Karine's  thoughts.  She  waved  her  hand,  involun- 
tarily calling,  "  Gustav  —  "  and  quickly  remem- 
bering, she  added,  "  Farewell,  Gustav  Vasa  !  " 


CHAPTER  VI. 


THE  first  pale  rays  of  the  morning  sun 
were  struggling  with  the  red  glare  of  the 
torches  when  Gustav  Rosen  returned  to  Torpa. 
His  feet  bore  him  mechanically  ;  his  cheeks  were 
sunken,  his  eyes  hollow,  as  if  some  deadly  disease 
had  seized  him  over-night.  Unwittingly  he  walked 
on,  drawn  to  the  scene  of  his  happiness  and  his 
misery.  In  the  courtyard  he  met  an  officer  who 
told  him  that  the  king  had  asked  for  him ;  and, 
taking  the  young  man's  arm,  he  led  him  upstairs 
to  the  monarch's  apartment.  To  those  acquainted 
with  his  nature,  it  was  evident  that  King  Christian 
was  in  a  dangerous  mood.  Guarded  by  numerous 
soldiers,  the  men  and  maid  servants  of  Stenbock's 
household  stood  huddled  together  in  a  corner 
of  the  room.     Christian,  seated  near  the  window, 


138  KARINE. 


examined  them  separately.  Their  evidence  was 
always  the  same  :  they  had  known  nothing  of  the 
contemplated  attack,  and  were  as  completely  taken 
by  surprise  as  the  king  himself.  The  truth  of 
their  statement  could  not  be  doubted,  since  none 
of  them  had  thought  of  escaping  in  the  confu- 
sion, and  they  were  driven  together  without  any 
resistance  on  their  part.  King  Christian  himself 
seemed  convinced  ;  and,  as  he  dismissed  them  one 
by  one,  he  smiled  pleasantly,  saying,  — 

"  I  believe  you  ;  I  see  that  your  rest  was  need- 
lessly disturbed.     It  shall  not  occur  again.     Go!" 

At  a  sign  from  him,  they  were  led  away  ;  but 
as  each  one  approached  the  stairs,  he  was  met 
from  behind  by  the  executioner's  sword,  and  sum- 
marily despatched.  One  after  the  other  had  dis- 
appeared, until  only  a  young  maid-servant  was 
left.  Christian  seemed  to  weary  of  his  monotonous 
sport ;  he  rose  and  went  to  the  window.  Then 
turning,  he  scanned  the  features  of  her  bright, 
expressive  face,  which,  being  of  the  true  Swedish 
tj^pe,  bore  a  remote  resemblance  to  that  of  Karine 
Stenbock. 

"  Down  by  the  stairs  lie  the  heads  of  a  dozen 


KARINE.  139 


fools.  If  you  wish  to  keep  your  own,  go  down, 
gather  them  into  your  apron,  and  bring  them  to 
me."    The  girl  fell  down,  fainting  ;  he  beckoned  : 

"  Carry  her  away,  and  let  her  do  as  I  ordered." 

"The  girl  resembles  the  daughter  of  that 
scoundrel,  Stenbock,  —  probably  a  half-sister," 
whispered  one  of  the  courtiers  to  his  neighbor. 
The  speaker  started,  for  Christian  turned  his 
head,  and  a  terrible  glance  met  the  imprudent 
man.  Then  the  king  rushed  toward  the  tottering 
girl,  and  clutching  her  shoulder  with  an  iron  grip, 
glared  into  her  face  with  an  expression  of  beast- 
like ferocity. 

"  He  is  right :  she  is  of  the  same  brood,"  he 
muttered ;  "  this  is  the  face  that  fooled  me." 

And  before  she  had  time  to  plead  for  mercy, 
King  Christian  II.  of  Sweden,  Norway,  and  Den- 
mark snatched  a  sword  from  the  nearest  bystander, 
and  with  his  own  hand  slew  the  girl  he  had  just 
pardoned. 

At  this  moment  Gustav  Rosen  entered  the  room. 
The  king's  restless  glance  observed  him  imme- 
diately, and,  laughing  gayly,  he  approached  the 
youth. 


140  KARINE. 


"  Here  lies  the  head  of  your  beauty,  Rosen  !  " 
he  cried. 

The  young  man's  brahi  was  so  confused,  that  he 
almost  broke  down  at  the  sight  of  the  fair  head, 
whose  distant  resemblance  to  Karine  had  not  been 
effaced  by  death.  Christian's  loud  laughter  brought 
him  to  his  senses. 

"This  time  it  is  not  she,"  the  king  continued. 
"  It  seems  the  Rose  has  escaped  us  both.  Curse 
it !  "  Suddenly  the  veins  upon  his  forehead  SM'elled  ; 
he  struck  his  foot  upon  the  floor,  so  that  the  win- 
dows shook,  and  those  standing  near  started  ner- 
vously. "  Where  is  the  scoundrel  that  allowed  her 
to  escape?    You  are  traitors,  —  one  and  all." 

No  one  ventured  to  approach  him,  when,  his 
face  distorted  with  rage,  he  picked  up  the  sword 
he  had  flung  aside,  and,  like  a  madman,  swung  it 
hissing  around  the  heads  of  the  frightened  Danes. 
Once  only  had  they  seen  him  thus ;  it  was  after 
the  death  of  the  Dove  of  Amsterdam,  whom  Torben 
Oxe's  kin  were  thought  to  have  poisoned.  It  was 
evident  that  he  raved  most  violently,  not  when  his 
royal  authority  had  been  defied,  but  when  a  certain 
spot,  deep  hidden  in  his  heart,  was  touched.     It 


KARINE.  141 


was  not  Gustav  Erikson,  but  Karine  Stenbock,  who 
had  increased  his  rage  to  frenzy.  Gradually,  as 
none  opposed  him,  he  grew  calmer ;  then  seating 
himself,  and  leaning  his  hand  upon  the  hilt  of  the 
sword,  whose  point  he  thrust  deep  into  the  wooden 
floor,  he  commanded,  — 

"  Bring  Brita  Stenbock  to  me." 

In  a  few  moments  she  appeared.  Her  arms 
were  laden  with  heavy  chains,  such  as  the  Danish 
monarch  carried  with  him  in  all  his  travels,  but 
she  bore  them  as  though  their  weight  were  nothing. 
Not  a  feature  of  her  f^ce  betrayed  fear  or  agitation. 
At  the  sight  of  her,  Gustav  Rosen  staggered : 
horror-stricken,  his  eyes  rested  upon  his  aunt's 
immovable  countenance,  and  the  consciousness  of 
his  guilt  brought  a  crimson  flush  to  his  temples. 

For  a  moment  there  was  the  silence  of  death 
in  the  great  room,  in  the  middle  of  which  stood 
Brita  Stenbock,  calm  and  stately.  She  broke  the 
silence,  asking,  — 

'•Who  called    me?" 

The  king  started,  as  if  with  fear  ;  his  eyes  were 
fastened  upon  the  ground.  "  I,"  he  answered,  in 
an  uncertain  voice. 


142  KARINE. 


Those  who  saw  him  might  have  fancied  that 
the  dead  eyes  of  his  implacable  enemy  had 
recovered  their  sight,  so  shrinkingly  his  glance 
avoided  them.  Again  there  was  a  pause,  then  he 
suddenly  commanded,  — 

"Take  away  her  chains." 

The  astonished  soldiers  obeyed.  The  king  rose 
and  hesitatingly  advanced  a  few  steps, 

"  Brita  Stenbock,  you  meant  to  murder  me  —  " 

"  I  meant  to  punish  you  ;  it  is  you  who  murder," 
she  answered  coldly.  It  seemed  as  if  he,  feared 
by  all,  himself  stood  in  awe.  of  a  woman.  Anx- 
iously he  peered  into  her  face  ;  he  possessed  no 
power  over  Brita  Stenbock's  blind  eyes. 

"  You  invited  me  to  your  house,  and  I  came, 
trusting  in  Swedish  hospitality,"  he  continued. 

"  You  invited  the  Swedish  lords  to  your  house  in 
Stockholm,  and  they  trusted  in  Danish  hospitality." 

Christian  cast  down  his  eyes.  Was  it  weariness, 
after  the  tumult  that  had  raged  in  his  breast?  His 
lips  trembled  ;  with  an  effort  he  forced  them  to 
obey  his  thoughts,  and  said,  — 

"  You  took  me  by  the  hand  and  bade  me 
welcome  in  your  house,  Brita  Stenbock." 


KARINE.  143 


"  You  took  by  the  hand  and  welcomed  each  one 
of  those  you  meant  to  kill.  I  thanked  you  in  the 
name  of  my  country,  and  told  you  that  I  hoped 
your  sojourn  in  our  house  would  bring  good  for- 
tune to  Sweden.  When  you  drank  to  the  health 
of  my  house,  I  answered  by  drinking  to  the  wel- 
fare of  Sweden.  Why  were  you  too  blind  to 
understand  me?  Why  did  you  allow  my  blindness 
to  deceive  your  sight?  " 

Her  voice  was  full  of  scorn.  With  bated  breath 
the  bystanders  beheld  this  fearless  woman.  Their 
master's  face  wore  a  strange,  anxious  expression. 
He  lifted  his  hand  to  his  brow,  and  tried  to  speak  ; 
but  his  tongue  grew  more  and  more  reluctant. 
With  an  effort  he  said,  — 

"It  was  might  against  might,  cunning  against 
cunning.  You  hate  me,  Brita  Stenbock,  and  you 
were  in  the  right.  Among  men  there  is  warfare, 
and  I  honor  you  as  a  man.  You  have  fought 
bravely ;  I  admire  your  courage.  Speak  truly : 
the  plan  was  yours  ?  None  knew  of  it  save  your- 
self? You,  unaided,  put  it  into  execution? 
Tell  me  this,  and  I  will  acknowledge  the  greatness 
of  your  deed.     You  shall  be  free." 


144  KARINE. 


In  the  wide  hall,  among  a  hundred  eyes,  fixed 
upon  her  face,  can  it  be  Brita  Stenbock's  blind 
eyes  alone  that  see ;  that  perceive  the  tiny  rift 
between  the  meshes  of  his  armor,  through  which 
to  thrust  the  dagger  into  her  enemy's  stony 
heart?  A  strange,  exultant  smile  hovered  about 
her  lips. 

"  No,  Christian  of  Denmark,  you  esteem  me 
too  highly.  To  me  belongs  only  counsel ;  neither 
the  conception  nor  the  execution  was  mine.  A 
girl  outwitted  you.  But  my  daughter  did  not 
know  you,  and  did  not  suppose  that  you  would 
come  to  a  wedding  with  an  army.  There  was  to 
have  been  a  battle  at  Torpa.  But  when  my  daugh- 
ter saw  the  number  of  your  followers  —  " 

King  Christian's  hand  passed  slowly  down  from 
his  forehead,  over  his  eyes.  "When  your  daughter 
saw  the  number  of  my  followers,"  his  lips  repeated, 
with  a  peculiar  sound,  like  a  sob. 

"  Then  she  came  to  me,  and  said,  '  Christian 
of  Denmark  is  not  only  a  tyrant,  he  is  a  fool. 
Is  Sweden's  liberty,  is  his  ruin  worth  it,  that  I 
should  for  an  evening  play  the  part  of  the  inn- 
keeper's daughter  of  Bergen?'" 


KARINE.  145 


Even  Brita  Stenbock  paused  in  amazement  at 
the  wild,  agonizing  cry  that  burst  from  the  king's 
breast.  He  sank  back  into  the  chair,  covering  his 
face  with  both  hands.  Those  around  him  scarcely 
ventured  to  breathe.  Heavy  drops  rolled  from 
under  the  royal  hands  ;  it  was  so  still  they  could 
be  heard  billing  upon  the  floor.  Then  his  hands 
were  loosed  ;  he  seized  the  sword  he  had  thrust 
into  the  floor,  and  drew  it  out.  King  Christian 
laughed  aloud. 

"  You  tell  your  story  well,  Brita  Stenbock  ;  but 
our  time  does  not  permit  us  to  converse  with  you 
longer.  And  so  we,  the  Danish  tyrant,  have  un- 
dermined Swedish  hospitality,  honor,  and  fidelity? 
You  are  right  again  ;  we  were  a  fool  —  " 

"  You  may  scoff,  Christian,"  the  gray-haired 
woman  interrupted  his  words,  "but  I  have  dealt 
you  a  deadly  blow.  My  eyes  are  blind  ;  but  while 
others  may  think  you  are  laughing,  I  see  your  heart ; 
and  I  know  it  is  bleeding  under  my  hand." 

With  a  cry  of  rage  upon  his  quivering  lips,  the 
king,  raising  his  sword,  sprang  toward  the  defence- 
less woman  ;  and  had  not  Gustav  Rosen  intercepted 
the  fierce  stroke,  she  would  have  shared  the  fate 


lO 


146  A' A  NINE. 


of  the  young  maid-servant ;  her  gray  head  had  lain 
beside  the  golden  one.  For  a  moment,  Christian 
stared  at  the  youth's  pale  face ;  then  he  allowed 
the  sword  to  fall  from  his  hands,  and  said  in  icy 
tones,  — 

"  I  thank  you,  Rosen.  Through  my  fault  you 
were  robbed  of  your  bride.  I  will  provide  you 
another.     Are  you  ready,  Brita  Stenbock?" 

His  meaning  was  clear  to  them  all,  especially  to 
the  woman  to  whom  his  question  was  addressed. 
But  her  courage  never  wavered ;  once  more  she 
proudly  lifted  her  head. 

"You  do  not  punish  me,  Christian;  you  will 
only  murder  me.  Death  does  not  frighten  me ; 
and  what  will  mine  profit  you  ?  You  can  kill  me, 
but  the  spirit  of  this  house  you  can  never  destroy. 
Through  the  night  of  my  blindness,  I  see  far  into 
the  future.  The  day  is  at  hand  when  the  whole 
of  Sweden  will  be  a  Torpa.  I  see  blood  flowing,  — 
more  than  has  flowed  into  the  Malar ;  but  it  rolls 
toward  the  Sund,  and  giant  torches  light  the  way. 
By  their  light  I  see  you,  Christian  of  Denmark, 
powerless,  deserted,  despised,  and  hated.  I  see 
your   pallid    brow,    weighted   with   the    curses   of 


KARINR.  147 


your  people,  with  the  scorn  of  mankind,  striking 
the  walls  of  your  dungeon,  while  the  ghosts  of 
Stockholm's  victims  mock  you  through  the  prison- 
bars,  and  frighten  you  back  to  life ;  because  you 
dread  to  appear  before  the  throne  upon  which 
Another  sits,  and  where  your  power  is  at  an 
end.  Then  the  Trollhiitta  will  sing  the  song  of 
Sweden's  freedom  for  all  to  hear,  as  I  hear  it 
now." 

Majestically  she  stretched  forth  her  hand ;  and 
through  the  utter  silence  that  followed  her  words 
were  heard  the  thunder-tones  of  the  Trollhiitta, 
bearing  sea-ward  the  last  masses  of  the  winter's 
ice,  and  proclaiming  through  the  land  the  glad 
tidings  that  spring  had  come.  For  a  moment 
King  Christian  himself  listened,  spellbound.  But 
it  was  the  old,  gloomy  face,  over  whose  unfathom- 
able features  flickered,  like  a  will-o'-the-wisp,  the 
treacherous  smile. 

"  Your  eyes  are  still  too  keen,  and  see  too  far 
into  the  future,  Brita  Stenbock,"  he  sneered.  "  I 
will  kindle  a  light  that  will  enable  you  to  see  what 
is  close  at  hand.  I  will  build  you  a  goodly  monu- 
ment.     As  for   the  Trollhatta,   it    is    mine ;    and 


148  KARINE. 

henceforward  its  waters  shall  glide  submissively 
under  my  hand,  like  your  people.  The  spirit  of 
this  house  shall  not  spread  further,  and  Sweden 
shall  not  become  a  Torpa.  The  giant's  torch 
which  you  saw  is  Torpa  itself,  and  in  its  light  you 
will  lie  fainting  and  alone.  No,  not  quite  alone  —  " 
King  Christian  turned  abruptly.  "  As  I  said, 
Gustav  Rosen,  I  owe  you  thanks  for  reminding  me 
of  what  befits  a  king.  You  will  be  reasonable,  and 
understand  that  at  this  moment  I  cannot  restore  to 
you  your  young  bride.  But  it  was  to  your  wedding 
I  came  hither ;  and  for  a  short  space  you  must  con- 
tent yourself  with  an  old  sweetheart,  especially  as 
she  comes  of  the  same  noble  race.  Captain  Wol- 
marson  !  " 

Christian  hastily  whispered  some  orders  to  the 
captain,  then,  turning  once  more  to  Rosen,  he 
said,  — 

"  Your  estates  will  be  well  managed,  Rosen ; 
thank  you  for  them." 

And,  measuring  with  a  lightning-like  glance  Brita 
Stenbock's  unmoved  face,  the  king  left  the  room. 
Below,  the  horns  were  calling  the  men  together ; 
in  a  few  minutes  the  court  was  filled  with  horse- 


KARINE.  i^g 


men,  their  master  giving  the  signal  for  their  de- 
parture. 

Five  saddled  horses  still  stood  at  the  gate,  for 
Captain  Wolmarson  and  the  others  who  remained 
to  do  the  king's  bidding.  They  are  not  soldiers, 
but  the  assistants  of  the  man  in  the  close-fitting 
doublet,  who  has  thrown  aside  his  scarlet  cloak, 
and  roughly  ties  Gustav  Rosen's  hands  behind  his 
back.  The  officers  standing  near  could  not  re- 
press a  shudder  when  the  men,  with  rude  laughter, 
loaded  Brita  Stenbock's  limbs  with  fetters,  and 
chained  both  her  and  Rosen  to  the  altar,  which  had 
been  prepared  for  so  different  a  purpose.  Now  all 
was  completed ;  and,  walking  away,  the  headsman 
turned  once  more  and  laughed,  — 

"  The  pair  is  ready,  —  a  merry  bridegroom  ;  a 
bonny  bride.  Bring  the  priest,  that  he  may  pro- 
nounce a  blessing  ! " 

One  of  his  servants  ran  to  the  kitchen,  and, 
returning,  distributed  the  wood  he  carried  in  his 
arms,  while  his  companions  dispersed  into  the 
adjoining  apartments.  Filled  with  horror,  the 
Danish  captain  rushed  into  the  open  air  and 
leaped  upon  his  horse.      Five  minutes  later  the 


1 50  KARINE. 


Others  followed ;    and,  frequently  turning  to  look 
behind  them,  they  galloped  away. 

And  again  Castle  Torpa  is  silent  as  the  grave, 
as  silent  as  in  that  midnight  hour  when  Karine 
Stenbock  stood  waiting  for  the  Danish  king.  The 
first  rays  of  the  morning  sun  flash  through  the  leaf- 
less elms  upon  the  gray  gables.  Ghasdy  still  lie 
the  dead  Dalecarles  among  their  foes  in  the  pas- 
sages ;  not  a  sound  of  life  is  heard,  whether  of  joy 
or  of  pain. 

A  cry  of  mourning  were  indeed  a  greeting  from 
heaven  in  the  midst  of  this  shuddering  stillness, 
through  which  now  and  then  is  heard  a  feeble 
crackling,  as  if  the  walls  were  bending  under  in- 
visible fingers. 

A  human  voice  speaks  through  the  desola- 
tion, — 

"Mother,  do  you  hear  it?"  It  is  Gustav 
Rosen,  who  is  vainly  dragging  at  his  chains ;  but 
his  fettered  hands  are  powerless.  Brita  Stenbock 
knows  what  he  means ;  yet  her  answer  is  as  chill 
as  if  he  were  a  boy  standing  before  her  to  receive 
his  chastisement. 


KARINE.  I  5  I 


"I  am  not  your  mother,  Gustav  Rosen,  and  I 
bless  the  Heaven  that  prevented  it.  Far  better  the 
wedding-torch  lighted  by  Christian  of  Denmark 
than  to  have  intrusted  my  daughter  to  your  traitor 
hands.  My  blood,  and  the  blood  of  the  brave 
men  who  were  slain  this  night  for  Sweden's  free- 
dom, be  upon  you  !  " 

The  crackling  grows  stronger  on  all  sides.  In 
the  quiet  morning  air  there  is  a  rushing  in  the  cor- 
ridors, like  the  sound  of  an  approaching  storm. 
It  seems  as  if  the  dead  out  yonder  were  rising  and 
stumbling  with  heavy  footsteps  over  the  corpses  of 
their  comrades. 

"  Mother  !  "  the  youth  cries  in  despair.  "  You 
are  Karine's  mother.  Speak  a  last  word  to  me  in 
Karine's  name.  In  a  little  while  we  go  together 
where  there  are  neither  Swedes  nor  Danes,  only 
forgiv^eness,  and  peace,  and  mercy.  Have  pity, 
mother  !  " 

A  shudder,  the  first  in  her  life,  perhaps,  shakes 
the  strong  woman.  She  endeavors  to  free  her 
arm,  and  vainly  strains  her  sightless  eyes  toward  the 
pleading  youth.  Then  a  gentle  smile  softens  her 
firm  lips,  and  she  answers  softly,  — 


152  KARINE. 


*'  Your  heart  had  no  place  in  this  hard  world. 
God  will  forgive  you,  as  Karine  does,  as  I  do. 
Sleep  in  peace,  Gustav." 

Over  yonder,  on  a  hill  near  Torpa,  stood  King 
Christian  II.,  surrounded  by  his  faithful  followers. 
His  knitted  brows  betrayed  impatience,  and  his 
piercing  eyes  were  turned  toward  the  castle,  now 
lighted  by  the  sun's  first  rays.  Soon  the  furrows 
were  smoothed.  A  rosy  cloud  seemed  to  hover 
over  the  roof  of  the  far-stretching  building ;  heavy 
gray  clouds,  in  which  the  red  lightning  was  seen  to 
quiver,  followed  it.  The  west  side  of  the  castle 
lay  in  the  shadow,  while  toward  the  east  the  win- 
dows were  ruddy  with  the  reflection  of  the  sun- 
light. But  soon  they  were  aglow  in  the  west,  in 
the  south,  —  on  all  sides.  Fiery  tongues  waved 
upward  and  downward ;  a  thousand  fiery  arms 
clung  to  the  walls.  Suddenly  a  bright  flame  shot 
from  the  roof;  the  gray  gable  tottered  and  fell 
inward  with  a  thunderous  crash,  followed  by  a 
shower  of  sparks  and  burning  timbers  tossed  in 
the  air.  Like  glowing  meteors,  they  circled  about, 
scattering   far   and   near,  falling    into    the   white 


KARINE.  153 


foam    of  the   Trollhatta,    and    at  the  feet  of  the 
mutely  gazmg  Danes. 

Not  a  vestige  of  Hfe  was  seen  near  the  surg- 
ing flames,  rising  higher  and  higher,  except  the 
frightened  birds  that  fluttered  about  the  tops  of  the 
ehii-trees.  With  the  glance  of  a  falcon.  King 
Christian's  eyes  hung  upon  the  door,  and  upon 
the  garden  surrounding  Castle  Torpa.  The  dead 
will  not  escape,  and  the  living  have  not  broken 
their  chains.  Only  when  the  walls  fell,  the  king 
turned  away,  and,  with  compressed  lips,  smiled 
ominously. 

"  That  was  your  giant's  torch,  Brita  Stenbock. 
Good-night !  " 

Fiercely  he  spurred  his  startled  horse.  "The 
wedding  is  over.  We  have  enjoyed  ourselves 
royally  at  Torpa.     Forward  !  " 

Soon  the  last  spectators  had  disappeared  from , 
the  scene,  and  the  burning  house  stood  solitary  in 
the  bright,  smiling  sunshine.  It  seemed  as  if  the 
sunlight  were  holding  it  in  a  last  embrace,  wuth 
a  last  farewell  to  the  love  that  grew  within  its  walls, 
living  through  many  summers  and  many  winters, 
until  the  storm  came  that  kindled  the  flames  and 
turned  it  to  ashes  overnight. 


154  KARINE. 


Storms  spend  themselves,  and  flames  are 
quenched,  but  the  sun  is  everlasting,  Karine ;  it 
returns  again  with  every  springtime,  with  every 
morning. 

King  Christian  had  spoken  truly.  Before  even- 
ing Torpa  had  disappeared  from  the  earth.  But 
Brita  Stenbock's  words  proved  truer  still.  Neither 
fire  nor  sword  can  kill  the  spirit  either  of  hate  or 
of  love,  and  in  them  Torpa  still  lived. 

It  was  evening  once  more,  and  a  dense,  vapor- 
ous smoke  hung  over  the  ruins.  Again  the  rooks 
were  crossing  the  Gota-Elf,  and  taking  their  way 
northward.  The  moon  scattered  pale  light  upon 
the  water,  as  the  broad  boat  struck  the  shore  at 
the  same  spot  where  Karine  had  stood  when  she 
called  "  Farewell "  to  Gustav  Vasa. 

Now  it  is  "  Farewell,  Gustav  Rosen  !  "  Gustav 
Erikson  says  it,  and  Brita  Stenbock.  They 
both  clasp  his  hand;  death  has  held  the  young 
man's  hand  in  his  own,  and  has  wiped  away  its 
stain. 

"  Farewell !  "  He  is  alone,  listening  to  their  re- 
treating footsteps.  As  a  last  greeting  from  another 
life,  the  sound  is  wafted  back  to  him,  fainter  and 


KARINE.  155 


fainter,    until    it    is    lost   in    the    roaring    of    tlie 
Trollhatta. 

It  is  well  for  him  who  would  forget,  to  sit  by  the 
waters  of  the  Trollhatta ;  their  thunder  drowns  the 
voices  of  the  past. 


CHAPTER   VII. 

A  FEW  short  weeks  have  passed,  but  the 
winter's  power  over  Sweden  is  broken. 
Not  from  the  south  came  the  springtime,  but 
from  the  north,  out  of  the  rude  valleys  of  Dale- 
carha.  The  springtime  is  called  Gustav  Vasa. 
There  is  none  else,  from  the  mountains  to  the 
sea,  who  can  help  Sweden,  The  nobles  are 
crushed ;  and  it  is  well  that  their  jealousy, 
which  for  centuries  has  shaken  and  enslaved  the 
land,  no  longer  thwarts  the  plans  of  its  deliverer. 
In  the  towns,  among  the  burghers,  clash  the  arms 
of  Christian's  mercenaries,  subduing  them  with  iron 

hands. 

From   Copenhagen    to   Stockholm    the    land   is 

laid  waste  ;    the  villages  are  burned ;   the  people 

have    fled,    or   perished.      The    gallows    and    the 


KARINE.  1 5  7 


wheel  mark  the  progress  of  the  Northern  monarch, 
since  his  visit  to  Torpa. 

There  is  none  to  save  Sweden  but  the  people, 
—  the  stiff-necked  peasants  of  the  Kjolen.  There- 
fore the  Dalecarles  have  assembled  together,  from 
mountains  and  valleys,  upon  the  great  meadow, 
which  the  spring  has  covered  with  primroses,  and 
have  chosen  Gustav  Vasa  "  Lord  and  Captain  over 
Sweden." 

And  down  from  the  mountains  came  Gustav 
Vasa.  With  a  few  hundreds  he  crossed  the  Dal- 
Elf,  and  thousands  flocked  to  his  banner,  for  the 
springtime  had  come.  But,  besides  spring  flowers 
and  singing  birds,  he  encountered  an  army  of 
horsemen,  who  came,  led  by  the  treacherous  Arch- 
bishop Trolle,  to  meet  the  Dalecarles  near  Brunn- 
back's  Ferry. 

The  Dal-Elf  s  waters  were  red  when  they  carried 
the  first  retribution  for  the  massacre  of  Stockholm 
into  the  Bothnian  Sea ;  and,  with  the  news  of  the 
battle,  Gustav  Vasa  himself  reached  the  South. 

"  I  told  you  at  Torpa  that  we  should  meet  again. 
King  Christian ;  you  will  not  escape  the  sight  of 
me  until  the  Sund  flows  between  you  and  Sweden." 


158  KARINE. 


With  this  message  he  sent  a  horseman  to  the 
Danish  king.  But  before  the  messenger  had  fas- 
tened the  scroll  to  the  palace-gate,  Gustav  Vasa 
had  again  beaten  the  Danes,  near  Westeras ;  and 
with  so  many  thousands  that  they  could  be  called 
no  longer  a  band  of  peasants,  but  rather  a  noble 
and  stately  army,  he  besieged  the  town  of  Wes- 
terns, defended  by  Slaghok,  once  a  barber's  ap- 
prentice, now  confessor  to  the  king.  The  town 
was  taken  by  storm. 

"And  the  Jutes,  how  they  fled,  how  with  voices  so  loud 
They  sang  this  most  pitiful  song : 
The  Devil  may  drink  all  the  beer  that  is  brewed 
At  the  Dalecarle's  anvil  and  tongs." 

When  the  midsummer  sun  stood  at  its  zenith, 
and  night  and  day  touched  each  other's  hand, 
Upsala,  the  ancient  seat  of  the  Swedish  kings,  fell 
into  Gustav  Vasa's  hands. 

Here  he  remained.  The  impetuous  enthusiasm 
of  his  adherents  was  an  excellent  thing  to  over- 
come the  Danish  troops  in  open  warfare ;  but  the 
rude  strength  of  the  peasants  was  not  equal  to  a 
long  and  wearisome  siege.  They  must  needs  be 
accustomed  to  military  discipline,  trained  in  the 


KARINE.  159 


use  of  arms.  Their  weapons  were  chiefly  their 
hunting  and  farming  implements,  —  the  axe,  with 
which  they  felled  the  trees  in  their  native  forest ; 
the  bow  and  the  sling  used  in  hunting  the  ptarmi- 
gan ;  the  pike,  with  which  they  defended  their 
flocks  against  bears  and  wolves.  But  Gustav  Vasa's 
eye  and  hand  were  everywhere.  Trusting  in  Lu- 
beck's  promise  of  assistance,  he  had,  with  wise  fore- 
thought, requested  arms  from  the  Hansa  towns, 
and  himself  taught  the  ignorant  valley-men  the 
use  of  the  musket.  Leaders,  chosen  by  him, 
traversed  the  land  in  every  direction,  calling  upon 
the  people  to  rise.  Everywhere  companies  were 
formed,  which  afterwards  united  their  forces,  and 
successfully  attacked  the  Danish  garrisons  in  the 
smaller  towns.  Soon  the  Lowlands  were  wholly 
in  the  hands  of  the  deliverer,  and  Christian's  offi- 
cers were  forced  to  retire  into  the  fortified  places, 
—  chiefly  into  the  cities  on  the  coast,  which,  like 
Stockholm,  could  be  constantly  supplied  with  sol- 
diers and  provisions.  Brita  Stenbock  had  spoken 
truly :  in  a  few  short  weeks  the  whole  of  Sweden 
had  become  a  Torpa ;  and  Christian,  from  the 
windows  of  his  palace  at  Copenhagen,  gazed  in 


l60  KARINE. 


impotent  wrath  across  the  Sund.  He  had  been 
obliged  to  return  to  Denmark,  because  his  own 
rebeUious  nobles,  profiting  by  his  absence,  had  en- 
deavored to  arouse  the  indignation  of  the  people 
against  their  tyrant. 

Each  band,  great  or  small,  that  fought  for 
the  deliverance  of  Sweden,  readily  acknowledged 
Gustav  Vasa's  supremacy,  and  rendered  him  hom- 
age as  the  "Lord  and  Captain  over  Sweden." 

And  so  all  went  to  Upsala,  the  ancient  seat  of 
the  Swedish  kings,  where  in  the  olden  time  the 
mighty  Ynglings  had  ruled.  The  city  no  longer 
stood  upon  the  old  site,  but  a  league  farther  to  the 
east.  Only  a  village,  hidden  among  linden-trees, 
marked  the  spot  where  the  ruins  of  the  former 
Queen  of  the  North  lay  sleeping  beneath  trailing 
ivy  and  waving  grass.  Above  the  houses  rose  an 
ancient  church,  with  square  granite  tower ;  a 
Runic  stone,  built  into  the  choir,  spoke  the  strange 
language  of  olden  times,  unintelligible  to  the  pres- 
ent generation.  Beside  the  church  were  three 
steep  hillocks,  the  "  Kings'  Mounds,"  still,  in  the 
minds  of  the  people,  sacred  to  Thor,  Freya,  and 
Odin.    Giant  tumuli  of  Ynglings,  they  were  presum- 


KARINE.  l6l 


ably  the  legendary  witnesses  of  a  time  when  the 
gods  were  wont  to  descend  from  Valhalla,  to  found 
kingdoms  here  below,  and  to  wed  the  fair  daugh- 
ters of  earth.  Now  the  dense  beech-trees  that 
crown  their  summits  rustle  in  the  north  wind,  and 
scatter  their  leaves  upon  the  rude  bowlders  that 
mark  the  sleeping-chamber  of  the  giant  heroes. 

Anyone  sitting  upon  one  of  these  stones,  and 
looking  eastward  through  the  trees,  might  discern 
the  huge  gray  Cathedral  of  Upsala,  its  Gothic  spires 
rising  far  above  the  sombre  "  skog,"  Sweden's 
primeval  forest,  which  with  a  wild  medley  of  pines 
and  fir-trees,  alders  and  beeches,  covered  the  wide 
plain.  Beside  the  road,  well-made  for  the  time, 
that  led  from  Old  Upsala  to  the  new  city,  were 
occasional  clearings,  where  moss-covered  bowlders, 
a  tall  fern  nodciing  here  and  there  from  a  cleft  in 
the  stone,  lay  scattered  over  the  naked  ground. 
Notwithstanding  the  high  latitude,  Sweden's  mid- 
summer sun  lay  warm  upon  the  land  ;  and  the 
road  might  seem  long  to  the  wayfarer  from  the 
village  to  the  Cathedral  Square  at  Upsala. 

The  mighty  nave  rose  high  above  the  low,  one- 
storied  houses,  like  a  giant  among  pygmies.    Almost 

II 


1 62  KARINE. 


all  the  houses  were  built  of  wood  and  roofed  with 
the  gray  bark  of  the  birch-tree,  giving  the  town  a 
monotonous  appearance.  Already,  half  a  century 
before,  Sten  Sture  the  Elder  had  founded  at  Up- 
sala  the  first  Swedish  university ;  but  for  long 
years  its  cloisters  had  been  deserted.  Science  was 
silenced  by  the  clash  of  arms,  amid  which  the 
living  generation  had  grown  up ;  and  mournfully, 
bereft  of  her  old  glory  and  her  new,  the  Kings' 
City  clustered  around  the  Cathedral,  the  sole  rem- 
nant of  her  glorious  past.  Grass  grew  upon  the 
pavements,  no  longer  trodden  by  scholars'  feet; 
and  Upsala  lay  silent  and  melancholy,  like  the 
surrounding  landscape,  its  burghers  rarely  meeting 
in  the  streets,  and  hurrying  past  each  other  with 
hasty,  timid  greetings. 

Thus  it  had  been  a  few  weeks  ago  ;  but  one  sum- 
mer-month had  sufficed  to  work  a  change.  It  had 
taken  no  longer  to  cover  field  and  forest  with  gay 
verdure  and  transform,  as  if  by  magic,  the  wintry 
aspect  of  the  town.  Crowds  thronged  the  thor- 
oughfares. The  Dalecarles,  whose  fair  hair  fell 
in  heavy  masses  over  their  rugged  foreheads, 
seemed  to  tower  above  the  roofs  of  the  low  build- 


KARINE.  163 


ings ;  the  supple  sons  of  Gotland  and  Ingerman- 
land  moved  more  gracefully  ;  clearly  distinguishable 
were  the   more   intelligent  features  of  the  towns- 
man, who  possibly  had  seen  something  of  the  world 
and  its  ways  beyond  the  Baltic,  and  had  acquired 
more  cosmopolitan   manners.     In  richer  clothing 
he  walked  through  the  crowd,  proud   to  be  seen 
by  the   side  of  the   stately  men  whose    frequent 
questions,  whose  speech  and  manners  betrayed  the 
foreigner.     These  were  the  gentlemen   from   Lii- 
beck,  envoys  from  the  heads  of  the  Hansa,  who 
had  but  recently  landed  at  Norrtelge,  bringing  the 
necessary  supplies   for   the   subduer   of  their  old 
enemy  and  rival,  and  desiring  to  make  themselves 
acquainted   with  the  extent  and  prospects  of  the 
Swedish  rising  as  well  as  with  the  personal  charac- 
ter of  its  leader.     With  prudent,  business-like  re- 
serve, they  pursued  their  inquiries.     But  soon  the 
universal  enthusiasm  had  caught  them  also ;  and 
the   reports  they  sent   back  to  the  banks  of  the 
Trave  soon   dispelled  all   mistrust  in    any  matter 
confided  to  the  keeping  of  Gustav  Erikson,     They 
were   frequently    met    in    his    company,   and    still 
more  frequently  were  seen  at    nightfall  to  enter 


1 64  KARINE. 

the  modest  house  he  occupied,  only  to  leave  it 
at  break  of  day.  At  other  times  they  mingled 
freely  among  the  people,  admiring  with  most 
unbusiness-like  eyes  the  handsome  maidens  from 
Upland  and  Gefleborg,  with  their  sea-blue  eyes 
and  heavy  yellow  hair,  who  bravely  made  their 
way  through  the  multitude.  In  the  daytime,  the 
fields  surrounding  the  town  were  converted  into 
a  camp  glittering  with  arms  of  every  description 
and  of  infinite  variety,  in  the  handling  of  which 
Gustav  Vasa  himself  instructed  his  eager  followers. 
The  horsemen  exercised  upon  short-maned,  thick- 
set horses  of  incredible  strength  and  endurance ; 
and  the  reports  of  the  new  fire-arms,  cautiously 
examined  by  the  older  bystanders,  were  heard 
from  morning  until  night.  The  generous  fore- 
thought of  the  gentlemen  from  Liibeck,  not  con- 
tent with  supplying  muskets,  had  sent  ammunition 
in  such  abundance  that,  with  the  troublesome 
and  tedious  method  of  loading,  it  would  have 
sufficed  for  the  needs  of  an  army  through  years 
of  warfare. 

The  houses  of  Upsala  were  indeed  rather  inade- 
quate   for   the    accommodation   of  her  numerous 


KARINE.  165 


guests,  peaceful  and  warlike,  who  came  from  north 
and  from  south.  But  the  citizens  cheerfully  yielded 
what  they  had  to  the  deliverers.  A  spirit  of 
exemplary  order,  of  true  Northern  solidity  and 
sobriety,  prevailed  in  the  overcrowded  town.  But 
in  the  evening,  after  the  day's  work  was  done, 
songs  were  everywhere  heard  in  the  streets, 
especially  the  new  "  Brunnback "  ballad;  while 
an  hour  before  midnight  the  sun  still  stood  in 
golden  splendor  in  the   heavens. 

But  all  noise  and  singing  in  Upsala's  streets  were 
hushed ;  all  heads  uncovered  ;  women  lifted  their 
children  upon  their  arms ;  young  maidens  forced 
their  way  through  the  throng ;  old  men's  eyes 
sparkled  with  the  fire  of  renewed  youth,  when 
Gustav  Vasa's  tall  figure  passed  by,  simply  dressed, 
and  scarcely  higher  in  stature  than  the  crowd  of 
his  followers,  but  distinguished  from  among  his 
companions  by  an  indescribable  superiority.  It 
was  the  same  face  which  upon  that  memorable 
November  evening  had  confronted  Karine  Sten- 
bock ;  but  his  brow  had  grown  more  thoughtful, 
and  was  seamed,  in  advance  of  his  years,  with 
slight  furrows.     On  the  right  side   it  was  defaced 


1 66  KARINE. 


by  a  broad  scar,  reaching  downward  to  the  temple. 
It  did  not  look  like  a  wound  caused  by  a  sharp 
weapon,  but  rather  seemed  burned  into  the  flesh, 
and  the  hair  near  it  was  singed.  Instead  of  de- 
tracting from  the  manly  beauty  of  his  face,  it  rather 
heightened  the  imposing  energy  of  his  counte- 
nance, whose  eyes  mirrored  forth  a  world  of  thought, 
or  at  will  baffled  the  scrutiny  of  the  wisest.  No 
one  ever  fathomed  their  depths,  neither  the  trusting 
simplicity  of  the  Dalecarles,  nor  the  shrewd  glances 
of  the  diplomatic  merchants  from  Germany.  Those 
who  fancied  themselves  acquainted  with  Gustav 
Erikson's  secret  thoughts  were  mistaken. 

So  were  his  companions,  who  on  this  afternoon 
had  waited  for  more  than  an  hour  by  his  side ; 
while  he,  so  rarely  idle,  sat  immovable  upon  his 
horse,  gazing  expectantly  through  the  sultry  sunshine 
of  this  July  day,  along  the  road  that  leads  to  Gefle. 
Something  of  moment  must  be  expected  from  the 
seaboard  town,  since  he  who  scarcely  rests  even  at 
night,  and  leaves  no  moment  of  the  day  unoc- 
cupied, can  master  his  impatience,  and  take  no 
heed  of  the  flight  of  time.  His  comrades  exchange 
whispered  guesses  as  to  the  object  of  his  waiting ; 


KARINE.  167 


they  are  of  the  opinion  that  a  personage  of  great 
importance,  perhaps  a  messenger  from  Russia,  or 
one  from  Liibeck,  announcing  the  arrival  of  fresh 
troops,  is  about  to  arrive.  Of  the  latter,  the  gen- 
tlemen of  the  Hansa  had  no  knowledge ;  but  they 
thought  it  not  impossible  that  the  young  com- 
mander, with  his  impenetrable  eyes,  had  found 
means,  without  their  intervention,  to  open  the  gates 
of  the  ancient  city  on  the  Trave,  behind  which 
lay  power  and  influence  and  wealth.  Like  their 
leader,  all  gazed  perseveringly  down  the  sunny 
road  leading  to  Gefle. 

Almost  imperceptibly  Gustav  Vasa's  expression 
changed ;  and  a  moment  later,  those  around  him 
discerned  in  the  distance  a  small  object,  slowly 
moving  over  the  yellow  sand  of  the  highway. 
Gradually  it  grew  larger,  and  soon  they  were  able 
to  distinguish  an  open  travelling-carriage,  —  a  rare 
occurrence  in  those  days.  It  was  a  heavy,  lumber- 
ing coach,  drawn  by  clumsy  horses ;  and  in  it  sat 
two  women,  —  the  one,  with  snowy  hair  clustering 
about  her  temples,  gazed  with  singular  fixedness 
into  the  dazzling  sunshine  ;  the  other,  whose  golden 
hair  lay  like  sunlight  upon  her  brow,  timidly  turned 


1 68  KARINE. 


aside  her  downcast  eyes.  Curiously,  but  without 
special  interest,  some  of  the  bystanders  glanced  at 
the  two.  Now  the  carriage  rolled  past  the  waiting 
horsemen,  still  engaged  in  whispered  conversation, 
when  Gustav  Vasa,  lifting  his  hat,  made  a  low 
obeisance  before  the  travellers.  In  an  instant 
every  head  was  uncovered,  and  all  eyes  rested  with 
surprise  upon  the  face  of  the  young  girl,  whom 
their  leader  had  so  courteously  saluted.  But 
already  the  carriage  had  passed  on.  Deeply 
blushing,  the  fair  girl  had  silently  returned  his 
greeting,  and  for  a  second  her  eyes  had  scanned 
his  face,  when  Gustav  Vasa  turned  his  horse,  and 
rode  back  to  the  city.  Evidently,  nothing  further 
was  expected.  Gustav  Vasa  had  spent  hours  in  in- 
action, simply  to  greet  a  young  girl  and  to  receive 
a  greeting  in  return.  Like  lightning,  the  news 
spread  through  Upsala ;  and  now  it  was  the 
women's  business  to  discuss  and  conjecture.  But 
no  one  knew  the  beautiful  stranger's  name,  or 
destination.  All  that  could  be  learned  was  that 
the  carriage  had  scarcely  entered  the  town,  but 
had  turned  aside,  taking  the  road  to  Old  Upsala. 
There  it  arrived,  early  in  the  afternoon.     Close 


KARINE.  169 


by  the  venerable  church-tower  stood  a  pleasant 
house,  larger  and  more  convenient  than  the  others 
in  the  village.  Here  the  travellers  halted.  Men- 
servants  and  maids  stood  at  the  entrance,  and  re- 
ceived them  in  respectful  silence.  Leaning  on 
her  daughter's  arm,  Brita  Stenbock  entered  the 
house. 

Everything  was  arranged  with  exquisite  taste  for 
their  comfort,  — smaller,  but  more  convenient, 
and  less  suggestive  of  sober  Northern  simplicity, 
than  at  Castle  Torpa.  The  furniture,  the  costly 
hangings,  were  of  other  than  Swedish  workman- 
ship ;  the  wealth,  the  foreign  connections  of  a  great 
commercial  city  had  supplied  them.  Had  Gustav 
Vasa,  in  his  petitions  to  the  Hansa  confederation, 
included  other  matters  beside  fire-arms  and  soldiers 
for  the  defence  of  Sweden  ?  Had  he  also  planned 
a  garden  for  the  Rose  of  the  Trollhiitta,  so  rudely 
torn  from  her  native  soil  ? 

This  abode  was  certainly  more  fitting  than  the 
wilderness  in  which  she  had  sojourned  since  her 
flight  across  the  Gota-Elf,  She  had  not  seen 
Gustav  Vasa  since  she  called  her  "  farewell  "  across 
the  water.      Horses  were    in   readiness,   and    her 


I/O  KARINE. 


father  lifted  her  into  the  saddle.  They  journeyed 
at  night,  and  in  the  daytime  found  shelter  in 
lonely  farmhouses,  hidden  among  the  mountains, 
whose  inmates  were  always  found  to  be  aware  of 
their  coming.  Thus  they  reached  the  wild,  pre- 
cipitous mountains  that  divide  Sweden  from  Nor- 
way. Even  here  they  were  not  safe ;  the  Danish 
garrisons  in  the  towns  had  orders  to  pursue  them, 
and  the  king  had  set  a  high  price  upon  the  head 
of  Karine  Stenbock.  By  rude  mountain- roads,  still 
covered  with  deep  snow,  they  travelled  northward.- 
It  was  a  weary,  perilous  journey ;  but  Karine  seemed 
heedless  of  fatigue,  of  hunger  and  cold.  The 
peasants  gazed  in  astonishment  at  the  frail,  girlish 
form,  thus  defying  the  rough  country,  the  inclement 
weather  ;  and  many  who  had  but  deaf  ears  to  other 
warnings  were  won  by  Karine's  glowing  words. 
They  threw  aside  their  peaceful  tools,  and  hastened 
to  Dalecarlia,  where,  as  was  reported,  the  deliv- 
erers of  Sweden  were  assembling. 

"I  call  you  in  Gustav  Vasa's  name,"  said  Karine, 
with  burning  eyes.  Then  they  went  further.  A 
mournful  procession  indeed,  they  rode  through  the 
lonely,    deserted    country,    a    prey    to    their    sad 


KARINE.  1 7 1 


thoughts.  They  knew  nothing  of  what  had  oc- 
curred since  their  flight  from  Torpa;  nothing  of 
the  fate  of  the  bhnd  woman,  who  had  fallen  into 
Christian's  cruel  hands.  Not  until  they  had 
crossed  the  Clara- Elf,  a  messenger  overtook  them, 
bringing  tidings  of  Brita  Stenbock's  escape,  and  of 
her  journey  northward  over  Lake  Wener.  Shud- 
dering, Karine  heard  how  Gustav  Vasa  and  his  four 
companions  waited  in  the  underground  passage 
until  the  Danes  should  leave  ;  and  how  the  leader, 
tortured  by  anxiety,  and  undaunted  by  the  peril 
of  death,  had  groped  his  way  over  corpses  into  the 
house,  and  had  lain  down  among  them  to  listen. 
But  even  he  had  no  conception  of  what  was  about 
to  happen.  He  only  heard  that  Brita  Stenbock 
and  Gustav  Rosen  were  put  in  chains,  and  left 
behind.  Then  he  heard  the  hurry  and  confusion 
of  the  king's  departure.  At  the  same  moment  the 
red  glare  of  approaching  torches  fell  upon  his  face  ; 
a  rude  foot,  in  an  iron-bound  shoe,  trod  upon  his 
breast ;  a  crackling  and  hissing  ran  along  the 
walls  ;  and  a  suffocating  smoke  filled  the  passage. 
He  sprang  to  his  feet,  heedless  of  the  possible 
presence  of  enemies,  and  opened  the  door  leading 


1/2 


KARINE. 


to  the  hall.  In  the  dense  smoke  he  was  scarcely 
able  to  distinguish  the  two  immovable  figures 
chained  to  the  altar.  A  moment  more,  and  he  had 
been  too  late  to  undo  their  fetters  ;  too  late,  with 
Gustav  Rosen's  assistance,  to  carry  Brita  Stenbock 
through  the  burning  corridors.  Burning  timbers 
fell  crashing  behind  them ;  a  fire-brand  struck  his 
forehead,  but  he  reached  the  door  that  led  to 
safety,  when,  exhausted  by  his  superhuman  exer- 
tions, he  sank  unconscious  into  the  arms  of  the 
anxious,  waiting   Dalecarles. 

Impatiently  —  it  seemed  like  an  eternity  — 
they  waited  for  the  night,  when,  unseen  and  un- 
harmed, they  might  reach  the  Gota-Elf,  which 
should  carry  them  to  Lake  Wener. 

Breathlessly,  with  tears  of  joy  and  sorrow,  Sten- 
bock and  his  daughter  listened  to  the  tale.  Their 
home  lay  in  ashes  ;  never  again  would  their  eyes 
rest  upon  Castle  Torpa.  But  what  was  Torpa, 
compared  with  Sweden's  freedom?  Sweden  was 
now  their  only  home;;  and  Karine  received  it  as 
an  intimation  from  on  high  that  hereafter  she 
belonged  to  her  country  rather  than  to  the  narrow 
spot  where  she  had  dreamed  away  her  childhood. 


KARINE.  173 


And  what  was  the  destruction  of  a  house,  in  com- 
parison with  her  mother's  Ufe,  which  Gustav  Vasa 
had  saved  at  the  peril  of  his  own  ? 

Deep  crimson  stained  her  cheeks  at  the  thought. 
Perhaps  she  remembered  the  promise  the  Troll- 
hatta  had  witnessed  :  "  This  hand  is  free,  Gustav 
Erikson,  and  belongs  to  him  who  achieves  two 
things  —  " 

"  Upon  your  head  be  Sweden's  future  if  it  is 
lost  for  a  woman,"  he  had  replied  as  he  sprang 
into  the  boat. 

One  of  the  two  things  had  been  achieved.  And 
the  second?  Would  he  accomplish  that  also? 
And  afterwards,  when  he  should  come  and  say, 
"It  is  done,  Karine,"  what  then? 

Then  he  would  have  an  indisputable  right  to 
the  guerdon  her  eyes  had  promised  him,  to  the 
hand  he  so  ardently  desired.  And  why  not? 
The  eyes  that  had  a  heart  to  give  away  are  dead. 
Not  a  gleam  broke  from  them  when  the  messenger 
related  the  fate  of  Gustav  Rosen  ;  her  lips  never 
opened  to  ask  for  tidings  of  him.  The  light  in  her 
eyes  is  quenched,  like  the  flames  that  consumed 
Torpa ;  and  like  it,  her  heart  has  become  ashes. 


174  KARINE. 


But  beneath  the  ashes,  Karine,  a  spark  still 
glows.  The  storm  passing  over  it  subdued  the 
hidden  flame.  But  when  the  storm  is  laid,  and 
peace  returns ;  when  the  summer's  breath  gently 
touches  the  ruin,  —  it  may  rekindle  the  slumbering 
embers. 

And  farther  Karine  journeys,  by  her  father's 
side,  and  rekindles  the  sparks  that  sleep  under 
Sweden's  ashes. 

"  I  call  you  in  the  name  of  Gustav  Vasa,"  she 
says  ;  "  he  will  deliver  Sweden." 

In  the  western  part  of  Dalecarlia,  Karine  rejoined 
her  mother ;  and  here  Stenbock  left  them  to  join 
Gustav  Erikson's  army.  In  her  feverish  enthu- 
siasm Karine  would  have  accompanied  him  in  dis- 
guise, herself  to  take  a  part  in  the  struggle  for 
what  now  constituted  the  chief  aim  of  her  life, 
and  to  which  even  the  duty  owing  to  her  blind 
mother  appeared  secondary.  In  his  trouble,  her 
father  applied  secretly  to  Gustav  Vasa,  and  from 
him  Karine  received  the  command  to  relinquish 
her  purpose. 

As  the  general  of  Sweden's  army,  he  wrote,  he 
must  exact  implicit  obedience  from  all  who  would 


KARINE.  175 


serve  the  cause  of  their  country.  He  was  en- 
deavoring to  do  what  Karine  desired,  and  she  must 
obey  his  wishes  in  return.  He  bade  her  accom- 
pany her  mother  to  Old  Upsala,  where  he  had 
prepared  a  house  for  their  reception.  A  carriage 
would  await  them  at  Gefle.  The  hour  of  their 
departure  from  thence,  and  that  of  their  arrival 
at  Upsala,  were  distinctly  stated.  Gustav  Vasa's 
mind  comprehended  and  ordered  all  matters,  the 
smallest  as  well  as  the  greatest. 

And  so  they  reached  the  house  beside  the 
church  in  Old  Upsala.  In  it  there  was  nothing 
to  rearrange,  nothing  to  alter.  Each  room  in 
the  dwelling  seemed  to  have  been  planned  by  a 
woman's  delicate  taste  and  forethought,  and  yet 
a  man's  hand  had  ordered  it  all.  Whosoever 
chose  to  remember  that  it  was  the  hand  that 
held  Sweden's  future  must  needs  acknowledge 
that  the  arrangements  of  the  house  under  the 
linden-trees  in  Old  Upsala  expressed  something 
more  than  forethought  and  refined  taste,  —  more 
even  than  gratitude  and  friendship. 

Karine  felt  it  as  toward  evening  she  went  out 
into   the   open   air.     She    had   passed   a   restless 


1 76  KARINE. 


afternoon,  —  her  thoughts  hngering  upon  the  road 
that  had  brought  them  hither.  Perhaps  the  trials 
of  the  past  weeks  had  preyed  upon  her  nerves. 
She  started  at  every  opening  of  a  door,  at  every 
sound  of  a  strange  voice.  Gradually,  as  the  day 
waned,  her  calmness  returned  ;  and,  passing  through 
the  garden,  she  went  out  into  the  fields.  She  saw 
with  surprise  the  three  mounds  of  the  ancient 
kings,  and  from  an  old  villager  she  learned  their 
names  and  meaning.  Then  she  walked  slowly 
through  the  tall  flower- spangled  grass  of  the 
meadow,  and  ascended  Odin's  Hill. 

The  dead  leaves  of  last  year  still  lay  strewn  over 
the  granite  bowlder  upon  whose  edge  she  seated 
herself.  In  the  remote  past  it  might  have  served 
as  a  sacrificial  stone ;  the  Runic  tablets  in  the 
church-wall,  which  Karine  had  observed  in  passing, 
perhaps  told  its  story.  It  was  a  spot  where  people 
were  tempted  to  forget  the  present,  to  linger  in 
the  past  with  their  thoughts,  or  to  speed  them  far 
into  the  future.  What  were  individual  joys  and 
sorrows,  in  the  great  flood  of  time  that  carried  with 
it  years  and  centuries  ?  Whose  were  the  voices  that 
were  heard  by  this  stone,  before  the  giant  trees, 


KARINE.  177 


their  branches  swaying  in  the  evening  wind,  had 
struck  their  first  feeble  roots  into  the  earth?  When 
years  and  centuries  have  gone  by,  who  will  remem- 
ber the  maiden  now  resting  beneath  them,  and 
looking  out  upon  life  as  if  she  understood  its 
meaning?  Not  for  pleasure  was  life  given,  but  for 
duty ;  not  to  shape  it  according  to  our  fancy,  but 
to  serve  others  with  it ;  to  yield  it  for  worthy  ends, 
even  at  the  cost  of  sore  struggles  and  self-denial. 

Karine  softly  whispered  these  words.  It  was 
late  in  the  evening,  but  the  sun  still  stood  in  the 
heavens.  Almost  horizontally  the  strange  green, 
melancholy  rays  of  the  northern  sunset  lay  upon 
the  silent  valley,  whose  inhabitants  had  already 
gone  to  rest,  until  the  ruddy  dawn,  a  few  hours 
hence,  should  again  call  them  to  their  labors. 
Strangely  still  and  sad  it  seemed  up  yonder,  above 
the  sleeping  world,  upon  which  the  daylight  still 
shone.  In  the  distance,  above  the  dark  pine- 
forest,  gleamed  the  golden  balls  on  the  cathedral 
spires  of  Upsala,  throwing  their  reflection  into 
Karine's  thoughtful  eyes. 

"  Of  what  are  you  thinking,  Rose  of  the  TroU- 
hatta?  "  suddenly  said  a  voice  behind  her. 

12 


178  KARINE. 


Hastily  rising,  she  stood  face  to  face  with  Gustav 
Erikson.  She  had  scarcely  seen  him  since  the 
evening  she  helped  him  to  escape  from  Castle 
Torpa.  Fate  had  since  then  reversed  their  posi- 
tions ;  through  that  same  underground  passage  he 
had  rescued  her,  bearing  her  away  unconscious, 
unresisting,  in  his  arms. 

He  had  done  far  more ;  the  flush  rising  to  her 
temples  told  that  she  was  aware  of  it.  And  yet 
she  stood  motionless,  as  she  had  done  long  ago, 
by  the  Trollhatta,  when  his  strong  hand  had  for 
the  first  time  given  her  back  to  life.  Her  eyes 
rested  questioningly  upon  the  scar  on  his  fore- 
head, but  her  lips  were  powerless  to  frame  a 
word.  His  brows  knitted ;  the  joyous  expression 
his  face  had  worn  when  he  first  spoke  faded  away, 
and  in  a  changed,  harsh,  uncertain  voice  he  con- 
tinued, — 

"Have  I  not  yet  earned  your  thanks,  Karine? 
Have  I  not  yet  deserved  your  hand?" 

She  misunderstood  him ;  her  lips  quivered ; 
almost  inaudibly  she  stammered, — 

"  Sweden  is  not  yet  free  —  " 

"  You  are  right ;  but  you  at  least  shall  be  free," 


KARINE.  179 


he  exclaimed,  his  voice  trembUng  and  full  of  un- 
speakable bitterness,  the  muscles  of  his  face  work- 
ing painfully.  "  You  do  well  to  remind  me  that 
whoso  gives  his  life  for  freedom  does  it  not  with 
the  hope  of  reward ;  that  whoso  battles  for  the 
liberty  of  a  people  must  not  restrain  that  of  an 
individual.  I  give  you  back  your  promise,  Karine 
Stenbock :  whether  Sweden  becomes  free  or  not, 
words  are  light  as  air  since  Christian  of  Denmark 
visited  Castle  Torpa.     Farewell  !  " 

Before  the  girl  could  answer,  he  had  reached 
the  foot  of  Odin's  Hill,  Avhere  his  horse  stood 
waiting.  He  sprang  into  the  saddle  and  with 
reckless  speed  rode  back  to  Upsala.  Karine  gazed 
after  him,  pale  as  death.  The  horse  reared  and 
plunged  ;  the  rider's  wild  excitement  was  seen  in 
the  animal's  frightened  movements. 

The  distance  was  too  great  when  Karine  re- 
covered herself,  and  called,  with  trembling  lips, 
"  Gustav  Vasa  !  "  He  did  not  hear.  A  nameless 
fear  seized  upon  her ;  the  sleeping  world  and  the 
sun  overhead  reeled  before  her  eyes.  "  Words 
have  grown  light  as  air  since  Christian  of  Denmark 
visited  Castle  Torpa,"  she  murmured.     Suddenly 


l80  KARINE. 

her  strength  forsook  her  ;  stretching  out  her  hands, 
she  fell  to  the  ground,  close  by  the  ancient  Stone 
of  Sacrifice. 

Karine  went  again  the  following  day,  but  Gustav 
Vasa  did  not  return.  Day  after  day  she  sat  upon 
the  same  spot,  gazing  with  large,  still  eyes  toward 
Upsala.  She  listened  to  the  rustling  of  the  trees 
overhead  ;  the  days  came  and  went  like  years.  No 
tidings  reached  her  from  the  outside  world  ;  neither 
did  she  desire  them.  She  was  busy  with  the  world 
within )  and  it  would  seem  as  though  she  took 
counsel  of  the  venerable  trees,  as  they  shed  their 
withered  leaves  upon  the  Runic  stones. 

Weeks  passed.  Everywhere,  even  to  the  shores 
of  the  Baltic,  the  Swedish  arms  were  victorious. 
Stockholm  alone  resisted.  It  was  besieged  by  an 
army  composed  of  Swedes  and  of  auxiliaries  from 
Liibeck.  The  surrender  was  imminent,  when 
once  more  a  cry  of  horror  rang  through  Sweden. 
Like  fire  the  dreadful  tidings  spread,  that  Gustav 
Erikson's  mother  and  sisters,  who,  since  the 
beginning  of  the  rising,  had  remained  in  Stock- 
holm, had  been  murdered  at  the  command  of 
Christian  of  Denmark. 


KAKINE.  1 8 1 


It  was  toward  evening  when  the  news  reached 
Old  Upsala,  and  the  bearer  told  Karine  that  Gustav 
Vasa,  since  he  had  learned  the  cruel  fate  of  his 
relatives,  had  not  been  seen  by  any  one.  The 
greatest  consternation  prevailed  in  Upsala,  for, 
refusing  food  and  drink,  he  had  secluded  himself. 
Persons  who  had  listened  at  his  door  had  heard 
—  those  who  knew  him  refused  to  believe  it  —  but 
they  swore  they  had  heard  him  weep. 

Slowly,  without  answering,  Karine  took  her 
accustomed  way  to  Odin's  Hill.  As  usual,  she  sat 
upon  the  ancient  stone  and  gazed  into  the  evening 
sun  until  the  golden  balls  of  Upsala's  cathedral 
glittered  in  its  light.  Then  she  fell  upon  her  knees, 
and  pressed  her  forehead  to  the  cold  granite. 
With  a  calm  face  she  rose  again,  and  descended 
the  hillside  in  the  direction  of  the  road  leading  to 
Upsala.  She  followed  this  road,  walking  without 
haste,  until  she  reached  the  town,  where  she  asked 
to  be  shown  to  Gustav  Vasa's  house.  A  little  girl 
led  the  way.  The  officers,  who  were  standing 
irresolute  at  the  door,  made  way  for  her ;  and  in 
answer  to  her  questions,  directed  her  to  the  room 
into  which  the  commander  had  withdrawn. 


1 82  KARINE. 


"  Karine  Stenbock  wishes  to  speak  with  Gustav 
Vasa."  To  their  unspeakable  surprise  the  door 
was  hastily  opened ;  but  Karine  closed  it  imme- 
diately after  she  had  entered,  and,  fixing  her  eyes 
upon  the  pale,  haggard  face  of  the  man  before  her, 
she  said,  — 

"  A  Swedish  woman's  word  is  not  like  that  of 
Christian  of  Denmark.  I  will  be  mother  and  sister 
to  you,  Gustav  Vasa." 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


AUTUMN  had  come.  A  year  had  passed 
since  Gustav  Erikson  first  saw  the  Rose  of 
the  Trollhatta.  Much  sorrow  and  woe  had  been 
poured  out  over  Sweden  by  the  hand  of  Christian 
of  Denmark ;  great  joy  and  consolation  had  come 
through  Gustav  Erikson,  while  the  earth  had  com- 
pleted its  course  around  the  sun  ;  and  now  autumn 
was  come  again. 

Warm,  sunny,  northern  Autumn.  Beneath  the 
blue  sky,  the  golden  balls  upon  the  cathedral  spires 
of  Upsala  shone  far  into  the  distance  ;  they  gleamed 
above  the  wild  green  forest,  past  rocks  and  brush- 
wood, past  the  golden-brown  tops  of  the  beeches 
upon  the  royal  mounds  at  Old  Upsala,  even  to  the 
shining,  tranquil  sea.  Heaven  and  earth  seemed 
steeped  in  blue  and  golden  light ;  and  joy  shone 


1 84  KARINE. 


from  the  blue  eyes  of  the  men,  women,  and  maidens 
in  Upsala.  For  half  a  league  beyond  the  city,  the 
broad  highway  was  lined  with  eager  crowds  ;  from 
Westermanland  and  Sodermannland  they  came ; 
from  the  Svea-land,  and,  farther  still,  from  the  icy 
lakes  of  Norrland  and  Norrbotten. 

Expectantly  all  eyes  gazed  southward,  for  from 
thence  he  was  to  come,  —  he  whose  name  none 
need  mention  who  spoke  of  his  deeds,  —  no  longer 
now  the  "  Lord  and  Captain  of  Sweden,"  but  its 
king,  Gustav  Vasa.  For  a  week  past,  the  Diet  had 
been  assembled  at  Strengnas,  and  two  days  ago  it 
had  chosen  Gustav  Vasa  King  of  Sweden. 

And  now  he  appeared.  His  eyes  wore  a  gentler 
look  than  his  new  subjects  had  ever  seen  there. 
The  warmth,  the  brightness,  the  sunny  joyousness 
of  the  autumn  day  lay  upon  him.  In  regal  attire, 
his  ermine  cloak  sweeping  the  flanks  of  the  horse 
that  bore  him  so  proudly,  he  rode  beside  the  milk- 
white  palfrey  of  Karine  Stenbock,  the  royal  bride  of 
Sweden.  She,  too,  bowed  graciously  to  right  and 
left.  She  wore  no  ermine  cloak,  but  the  jubilant 
throng  was  enraptured  with  her  beauty,  —  with 
her   golden  hair,  that  streamed    from  under   the 


KARINE.  185 


circlet  upon  her  brow,  falling  in  streams  of  bright- 
ness over  her  neck  and  shoulders. 

Suddenly  the  smile  vanished  from  Karine's  lips, 
and  a  thoughtful,  strangely  serious  expression  took 
its  place.  She  lifted  her  hand ;  something  was 
fluttering  toward  her  through  the  tranquil  air,  —  a 
white  butterfly,  with  red  spots  upon  his  wings. 
Fearlessly  he  rested  upon  her  hand,  as  upon  the 
edge  of  a  flower,  and  spread  his  wings.  The  wo- 
men in  the  crowd  saw  it,  and  hailed  the  happy 
omen  :  the  royal  butterfly  had  come  down  from 
the  mountains  to  greet  Sweden's  queen. 

Why  does  Sweden's  queen  gaze  upon  the  white 
butterfly  so  absently,  so  lost  in  dreams,  that  she 
fails  to  see  the  people's  joy  at  the  peaceful  omen  ? 
Is  her  ear  listening  westward,  through  the  still  air? 
Does  she  hear,  faintly  in  the  distance,  the  roaring 
of  the  TroUhatta?  No  ;  it  is  too  far,  —  she  hears 
only  the  rustling  in  the  beech-tops  on  Odin's  Hill. 
They,  too,  send  their  greeting  to  Karine's  mute 
eyes  ;  gently  their  branches  sway  against  the  sky. 

Karine  started  ;  the  drums  beat  a  flourish  ;  they 
were  entering  Upsala. 

The  burgomaster  of  the  city,  surrounded  by  its 


1 86  KARINE. 


senators   and    dignitaries,   welcomed  the   King  of 
Sweden   in  a  solemn  oration,  to  which  the  latter 
listened    with    exemplary   patience,    although    he 
breathed  more  freely  when  the  speech  reached  its 
end.     The  procession  moved   on,  its  destination 
known  to  all.     The  streets  through  which  it  passed 
were  converted  into  a  forest,  the  ground  covered 
with   a  carpet  of  rushes  and  pine-boughs.     Now 
the   cathedral,    in    its    gigantic    proportions,    rose 
before  them  ;  under  the  portal  the  Archbishop  ot 
Upsala,  in  full  canonicals,  and  surrounded  by  his 
clergy,  awaited   them.      In    spite    of  his   trailing 
ermine,  the  young    king  sprang   lightly  from    his 
horse,  and  lifted  Karine  from  hers.     Both  bowed 
before  the    archbishop,  who   lifted    his    hands    in 
blessing,  and,  preceding  them,  walked  toward  the 
altar.     The  interior  of  the  church  was  not  orna- 
mented.    In  marvellous  beauty  and  purity  of  form, 
the  Gothic  pillars,  tall  and  slender,  like  clustering 
sheaves,  rose  to  a  dizzy  height,  sustaining  the  noble 
arch  that  hung  above  the  central  nave.     Through 
the  tinted  windows  streamed  a  tender,  mellowed 
light,  mingling  strangely  with  the  light   of  innu- 
merable  candles,   that   surrounded   the  altar  and 


KARINE.  187 


gleamed  upon  its  gold- embroidered  cloth.  The 
immediate  retinue  of  the  royal  pair  filled  a  large 
portion  of  the  vast  space.  Behind  them  thronged 
the  multitude,  pouring  into  the  church,  or  climbing 
recklessly  to  the  high  windows,  hoping  to  catch,  at 
least  from  the  outside,  a  glimpse  of  what  was  going 
on  within.  There  "  King  Gosta  "  and  Karine  Sten- 
bock  were  to  be  married  by  the  Primate  of  Sweden. 

Just  as  the  solemn  ceremony  was  about  to 
begin,  a  man  was  seen  forcing  his  way  through  the 
crowd.  He  whispered  some  words  to  the  king, 
who,  with  a  short  excuse,  followed  the  messenger 
and  disappeared.  The  people  gazed  after  him 
in  astonishment,  as  he  left  his  beautiful  bride 
standing  between  her  father  and  her  blind  mother; 
and  an  excited  hum  of  voices  ran  through  the 
church.  But  in  a  few  moments  the  king  reap- 
peared. With  beaming  face,  he  approached  the 
archbishop,  and  said,  — 

"  Permit  me,  most  reverend  lord,  to  speak 
before  you  in  this  holy  place.  It  will  not  be 
profaned  by  my  words,  for,  like  yours,  they  come 
from   God." 

He  rapidly  ascended  the  altar-steps,  and  spoke 


1 88  KARINE. 


in  a  voice  that  rang  loud  and  clear  through  the 
vast  cathedral  arches,  — 

"  Heaven  sends  two  greetings  to  the  people 
of  Sweden.  Stockholm  is  ours  !  This  morning,  at 
sunrise,  the  Danish  commander  surrendered  the 
keys  !  " 

Like  one  great  cry  of  joy,  it  burst  from  a 
thousand  lips.  The  last,  longed-for  end  was 
reached,  —  Sweden  was  free  !  The  stormy  rejoic- 
ings of  the  multitude  were  not  to  be  restrained. 
Each  embraced  and  kissed  his  neighbor.  From 
a  thousand  voices  the  cry  surged  upward  and 
echoed  back  from  the  arched  roof. 

"  Long  live  King  Gustav  !  Sweden  is  free  !  " 

"  And  so  it  will  continue,"  Gustav  Vasa's  voice 
rang  out  above  the  tumult,  "  for  I  have  another 
message  to  deliver  to  the  people  of  Sweden.  The 
ambassador  whom  I  sent  to  the  Emperor  Charles 
V.  has  returned.  The  Emperor  renounces  the 
cause  of  his  brother-in-law,  Christian  of  Denmark, 
and  offers  to  Sweden  his  friendship  and  recogni- 
tion. The  Danish  people  have  risen  against  their 
king,  and  put  him  under  the  ban." 

Karine's  eyes  shone  with  a  new  light  when  the 


KAKINE.  189 


king  clasped    her  hand,   and  leading  her  to  the 
altar,  whispered,  — 

"And  thus  the  second  condition  is  fulfilled, 
Karine,  before  you  become  mine,  —  Sweden  is 
free." 

She  did  not  look  into  his  face  as  she  answered, 
"  Yes  ;  all  the  conditions  are  fulfilled,  —  Sweden 
is  free  —  " 

"  And  you  are  its  queen." 

A  quiver  ran  through  the  young  girl's  frame,  — 
a  feeling  at  once  of  pride  and  of  awe.  Firmly  she 
stepped  upon  the  velvet  carpet. 

"  In  the  name  of  Almighty  God,  I  greet  you, 
Gustav,  King  of  Sweden,  whom  the  Nobles  and 
Commons  of  the  land  have  chosen  as  their  king. 
Generations  of  kings  have  come  and  gone.  Upon 
this  spot,  the  priests  of  another  faith  placed  the 
crown  upon  the  brow  of  the  Ynglings,  who  deemed 
themselves  the  Sons  of  Odin,  the  mighty;  but 
they  fell,  like  the  leaves  in  autumn,  and  their 
memory  has  passed  away.  Here  the  proud  Folk- 
ungs  received  the  crown  from  the  hands  of  holy 
men,  and  were  anointed  with  holy  oil  from  Rome  ; 
but,  like  the   foam  of  the  sea,  their  traces  have 


IQO  KARINE. 

vanished.  Many  came  after  them,  with  great 
names  and  proud  hearts,  from  near  and  from  far ; 
they  were  anointed,  and  crowned,  —  but  where 
is  their  record?  It  is  not  the  drop  of  oil  from 
human  hands  that  makes  small  things  great,  and 
exalts  the  lowly ;  it  is  the  Spirit  of  the  living 
God,  which  must  uphold  the  mightiest  among  men, 
lest  their  memory  perish  from  among  the  right- 
eous. —  Thus  I  greet  you,  Gustav  Vasa,  in  the 
ancient  city  of  kings ;  and  I  joyfully  lift  up  my 
hands  to  the  great  Kmg  over  us  all,  and  give  Him 
thanks." 

Thus  began  the  venerable  archbishop  of  Upsala. 
Solemnly  and  powerfully  his  words  rolled  over  the 
thousands  of  bowed  heads.  As  the  wind  stirs  the 
sails  of  a  ship,  so  they  stirred  the  heart  of  each 
Swedish  hearer,  who  heard  in  them  the  promise 
of  a  great  and  glorious  future.  Most  deeply  of 
all,  they  moved  Karine  Stenbock,  who  looked  up 
with  admiration  to  the  majestic  figure  by  her  side  : 
to  the  man  whom  she  heard  praised  as  an  instru- 
ment of  heaven ;  whom  his  people  worshipped  ; 
and  who  had  chosen  her,  from  among  all  others,  to 
help  him  to  complete  his  work,  —  after  the  struggle 


KARINE.  191 


for  peace,  after  the  victory  by  the  sword,  to  estab- 
Hsh  the  supremacy  of  right  and  Hberty.  Yes ; 
proud  and  happy  at  last,  Karine  looked  upon  the 
ermine  that  fell  from  the  shoulders  of  her  royal 
bridegroom.  It  seemed  as  though  she  heard  from 
above  a  rustling  like  that  of  the  beech-tops  on 
Odin's  Hill :  "  'J'o  help  others,  and  to  serve  a 
worthy  end." 

How  far  otherwise  than  she  had  imagined, 
events  had  shaped  themselves  !  How  far  more 
perfectly  would  a  queen  succeed  in  realizing  those 
high  endeavors  which  the  sunbeams  above  the 
slumbering  world  had  revealed  to  her  soul !  And 
this  duty  was  her  choice,  — her  proud  and  willing 
choice. 

And  proudly,  joyfully,  Karine's  eyes,  during  the 
archbishop's  sermon,  looked  on  high  and  at  the 
listening  crowd  that   thronged  about  the  altar. 

Suddenly  the  beautiful  eyes  quiver;  their  blue 
light  is  fixed  upon  a  pillar  of  red  porphyry  which, 
to  the  right  of  the  altar,  bears  the  arch  of  the  cen- 
tral nave.  The  daylight  does  not  reach  it,  nor  the 
light  from  the  tapers  :  only  a  reflection  from  both 
surrounds   it  with  a  magic   mingling  of  light   and 


192  KARINE. 


darkness.  It  illumines  the  head  of  a  spectator, 
who  leans  against  the  pillar,  his  eyes  fixed  upon 
the  altar.  Like  the  dim  light  that  plays  around 
it,  the  pale  face  has  a  ghostly  aspect.  From  a 
distance,  one  cannot  tell  whether  it  is  old  or 
young.  The  features,  the  tall,  slender  figure,  seem 
youthful ;  but  the  hair,  lying  in  heavy  waves  upon 
his  brow,  does  not  betoken  youth.  It  has  been 
golden,  and  a  glimmer  of  the  gold  shines  through 
it  still ;  but  it  seems  as  if  ashes  were  strewn  upon 
it ;  and  ashes  cover  the  eyes,  for  they  are  more 
lifeless  than  Brita  Stenbock's  blind  eyes,  which 
attend  so  eagerly  to  the  prelate's  earnest  words,  as 
though  they  saw  through  them  far  into  the  future. 

Many  eyes  hung  upon  the  young  girl  who  was 
now  Sweden's  queen,  and  followed  her  glance. 
Many  turned,  seeking  the  favored  object ;  and 
many  whispered,  — 

"  Who  is  the  man  over  yonder  with  the  strange 
face?     The  queen  is  looking  at  him." 

"Hush  !  "  answered  a  voice,  silencing  the  whis- 
perers. "  It  is  the  king's  ambassador  to  the  Ger- 
man Emperor,  who  has  just  returned.  He  is  no 
doubt  surprised  to  see  what  an  angel's  face  Gustav 


KARINE. 


193 


has  found  during  his  absence.  You  can  well  see 
that  he  never  in  his  life  beheld  anything  so  lovely. 
But  listen  to  the  archbishop,  —  the  most  important 
part  is  still  to  come." 

The  voices  were  hushed ;  and  all  eyes  turned 
toward  the  dignitary  of  the  Cliurch,  who  held  in 
a  jewelled  dish  the  plain  circlets  of  gold,  the 
symbol  of  fidelity  to  kings  and  peasants  alike. 
Only  Karine  Stenbock's  eyes  did  not  move ;  and 
the  eyes  of  the  man  by  the  pillar  gazed,  immov- 
able, expressionless. 

"Karine,"  the  mute,  lustreless  eyes  seemed  to 
say,  "  by  the  TroUhiitta's  brink  stood  the  venerable 
bard,  and  looked  down  into  its  waters.  Life  flowed 
around  him  ;  the  sunshine  rested  upon  his  brow ; 
the  birds  sang ;  the  flowers  nodded,  —  and  he  shud- 
dered before  the  weird  figure  rising  from  the  whirl- 
ing foam,  and  stretching  forth  its  arms  to  clutch 
him.  He  tried  to  flee,  but  the  spell  was  upon 
him,  compelling  him  to  gaze  into  the  thundering 
waters ;  and  involuntarily  he  was  drawn  nearer 
and  nearer,  until,  overpowered  by  the  spirits  of 
the  deep,  he  sprang  down,  and  the  dazzling  foam 
hid  him  forever." 

13 


194  KARINE. 


The  archbishop  took  the  cold,  hfeless  hand  of 
the  royal  bride  of  Sweden,  and  slipped  the  ring 
upon  her  finger.  Breathless  stood  the  waiting 
multitude. 

"  Karine,"  said  the  sad  eyes  over  yonder,  "  were 
those  the  lips  that  said,  '  Do  not  grow  weary,  Gus- 
tav  '  ?  Were  those  the  lips  that  whispered,  '  Do 
not  forsake  Karine  '  ?  Was  it  Gustav  Vasa  to  whom 
they  said,  '  I  love  you  so  dearly,  Gustav  —  so 
dearly'?" 

"The  Almighty  God  bless  you  and  keep  you. 
King  and  Queen  of  Sweden.  May  He  rule  your 
hearts  for  your  own  happiness,  and  for  the  welfare 
of  your  country  !  May  He  lift  up  His  countenance 
upon  you,  and  give  you  peace  !  " 

Like  a  plain  citizen,  Gustav  Vasa  bent  down 
and  kissed  his  wife.  As  if  awaking  from  a  dream, 
the  Queen  of  Sweden  started,  and  turned  her  eyes 
away  from  the  face  by  the  pillar ;  with  an  uncertain 
glance,  they  wandered  over  the  snowy  ermine  of 
her  royal  husband.  Her  limbs  tottered  ;  shuddering, 
she  stretched  out  her  hands,  and  with  the  cry, 
"You  are  the  Trollhatta,"  fell  fainting  into  Gustav 
Erikson's  arms.     There  was  only  one  in  the  vast 


KARINE.  195 


throng  who  understood,  and  but  a  few  who  heard 
her  words.  The  rest  only  saw  from  afar  how  the 
young  queen  sank  into  her  husband's  arms,  which 
closed  firmly  around  her.  They  did  not  see  how 
the  king  held  and  supported  her  lifeless  body, 
whispering  loving  words  into  her  ear. 

Karine  slowly  recovered,  and,  taking  her  hus- 
band's arm,  walked  with  a  firm  step  out  of  the 
church.  The  royal  retinue  followed,  and  after 
them  the  jubilant  people.  In  a  few  minutes  the 
lofty  cathedral  arches  were  deserted,  save  by  the 
one  who  alone  had  understood  the  words  Karine 
of  Sweden  had  spoken. 

He  still  stood  upon  the  same  spot.  The  tapers 
were  extinguished,  and  the  daylight  entered  faintly 
through  the  tinted  windows.  The  mute,  lustreless 
eyes  were  still  fixed  upon  the  empty  space  before 
the  altar.  The  sexton  came  and  gazed  astonished 
at  the  lonely  visitor. 

"Are  you  ill,  sir?"  he  asked  respectfully. 
Then  Gustav  Rosen  started,  looked  at  him,  and 
silently  left  the  church. 

When  the  wedding  procession  had  crossed  the 
bridge  of  the  Fyris  River,  King  Gustav  paused  for 


196  KARINE. 


a  moment,  and  pointed  to  a  green  hill,  gently 
sloping  southward,  that  rose  to  the  west  of  Upsala, 
overlooking  the  city. 

"  We  will  build  ourselves  a  castle  over  yonder, 
Karine,  and  be  happy,"  he  said  softly,  bending 
down  to  his  youthful  helpmate. 

She  looked  up:  "Yes;  and  we  can  see  the 
trees  on  Odin's  Hill  from  there,"  she  answered 
earnestly. 

The  people  crowded  after  the  royal  pair  to  the 
house  w'hich  the  city  had  prepared  for  their  wed- 
ding festivities.  It  was  the  stateliest  building  in 
Upsala ;  and  the  early  twilight  saw  a  sumptuous 
feast  spread  in  its  spacious  halls.  At  the  head  of  the 
table  sat  the  first  royal  couple  Sweden  had  known 
for  half  a  century.  To  the  left  of  Gustav  Vasa  was 
seen  the  serene  face  of  the  Primate  of  Sweden. 
The  king  was  earnestly  conversing  with  him,  in  the 
midst  of  all  the  surrounding  mirth  and  happiness, 
concerning  the  new  spiritual  light  which  had  arisen 
in  Germany  ;  and  with  pleasure  the  gentlemen  from 
Lubeck  heard  from  the  king's  lips  an  oft-recurring, 
well-known  name.  Finally  the  latter  raised  his 
glass  and  spoke  in  a  clear,  loud  voice,  — 


KARINE. 


197 


"  Nobles  and  Commons  of  the  Kingdom  of 
Sweden  !  My  first  greeting  is  to  the  freedom  of 
our  country.  But  you  have  learned  that  freedom 
rests  in  the  spirit  of  man,  —  not  in  his  hands  ;  that 
a  nation  may  shake  off  the  yoke  of  slavery  even 
though  its  hands  are  fettered,  if  its  spirit  be  free. 
The  liberty  which  1  mean,  and  which  I  desire 
to  give  you,  has  naught  to  do  with  the  taking  of 
Stockholm,  nor  with  the  fall  of  Christian  of  Den- 
mark. It  is  not  born  of  the  earth ;  and  God  has 
chosen  a  greater  than  myself  to  proclaim  it.  In 
accordance  with  the  usage  of  our  fathers,  I  drink 
to  the  health  of  the  Monk  of  Wittenberg.  May 
his  work  prosper  ;  may  the  fetters  of  Rome  every- 
where burst  asunder  !  My  greeting  is  to  Martin 
Luther  !  " 

With  one  impulse,  all  who  sat  around  the  long 
table  sprang  to  their  feet.  Like  a  glowing  spark, 
his  words  had  fallen  into  each  heart ;  but  all  eyes 
turned  anxiously  to  the  tall  and  venerable  figure 
at  the  king's  left  hand.  Then  a  deafening  shout 
of  applause  burst  forth.  With  a  firm  hand  the 
Archbishop  of  Upsala  raised  his  glass,  touched  with 
it  that  of  the  king,  and  said,  — 


198  KARINE. 


"  To  the  health  of  Martin  Luther  !  " 
Karine's  glass  met  her  husband's  with  a  clear 
ring.  Now,  according  to  ancient  Swedish  custom, 
the  "skals"  flew  back  and  forth.  There  was  at 
once  a  strange  likeness  and  a  strange  contrast 
between  this  feast  and  the  one  which  in  the  early 
spring  had  taken  place  in  the  now  crumbling  walls 
of  Torpa.  Many  of  the  same  faces  were  assem- 
bled here,  but  how  greatly  changed  !  Careless 
good-humor  spoke  from  Gustav  Stenbock's  strong 
features.  The  blind  face  beside  him  had  lost  the 
look  of  scorn  with  which  it  had  met  Christian  of 
Denmark ;  and  again  Karine  sat  beside  a  king  of 
Sweden,  not  trembling,  not  feverishly  flushing  and 
paling,  but  with  steadfast,  serious  eyes,  beautiful 
and  calm,  —  beautiful  as  the  mild  autumn  that 
smiled  upon  Sweden's  new-won  liberty,  calm  as 
the  beeches  upon  Odin's  Hill  that  lifted  their 
branches  into  the  blue  sky. 

And  at  the  opposite  end  of  the  table  there  sat 
again  a  silent  guest,  who  touched  neither  food  nor 
drink.  Far  away  from  him,  beyond  the  quivering 
lights,  sat  the  Queen  of  Sweden ;  but  beyond  her, 
infinitely  distant,   like  a  vision   in  a  dream,   the 


KARINE.  199 

Karine  Stenbock  of  old  floated  before  his  eyes. 
He  saw  a  rocky  valley,  through  which  thundered 
the  Trollhatta ;  there  stood  Karine,  her  golden  hair 
gleaming  in  the  sunlight,  and  said,  "  Do  not  weep, 
Gustav ;  when  I  am  a  woman,  I  will  go  with  you 
to  Denmark." 

The  ringing  of  glasses,  the  loud  joy  around  him, 
drowned  the  words  so  softly  spoken  by  the  dream- 
vision,  which,  so  far  away,  and  yet  so  bright  and 
sunny,  smiled  from  behind  the  Queen  of  Sweden's 
chair  into  his  dim,  sorrowful  eyes. 

Through  tears  it  smiled,  pleading :  "  Do  not 
weep,  Gustav ;  I  will  be  your  wife,  and  we  will 
go  together  to  Denmark." 

A  tear  fell  from  the  eye  of  the  silent  guest,  upon 
his  untouched  plate.  And  again  Gustav  Rosen 
was  startled,  as  his  neighbor  to  the  right  asked 
kindly,  "Are  you  ill,  sir?" 

Without  answering,  he  rose,  and  was  about  to 
leave  the  room,  when  he  encountered  the  eye  of 
the  king,  who  had  also  risen  from  his  seat. 

"The  king  speaks,  —  silence!"  it  ran  through 
the  assemblage.  Every  voice  was  hushed,  and 
Gustav  Vasa  spoke  :  — 


20O  KARINE. 


"  We  have  drunk  the  health  of  many  brave  men, 
of  whose  vahant  deeds  in  Sweden's  behalf  we  were 
the  witnesses.  But  noble  deeds  have  been  done 
in  secret;  battles  have  been  fought,  perhaps  the 
fiercest  of  all,  which  no  human  eye  has  seen.  I 
drink  to  those  who  first  won  the  victory  over 
themselves  before  they  could  recognize  the  eternal 
justice  of  our  cause.  I  drink  to  the  man  who 
accomplished  the  difficult  task  of  weaning  the 
German  Emperor  from  the  cause  of  his  relative, 
and  of  gaining  him  for  us ;  to  the  man,  without 
whose  courage  the  mother  of  your  queen  would 
not  be  among  us ;  to  whom  we  all  owe  thanks, 
you  as  well  as  I, — to  you,  Gustav  Rosen!" 

The  king  drained  his  glass,  and  the  rest  followed 
his  example.  Gustav  Vasa  only  remembered  the 
night  in  which  he  had  rescued  from  Torpa  and  from 
a  cruel  death  King  Christian's  victims,  —  the  night 
in  which  Rosen  realized  the  magnitude  of  his  own 
guilt ;  realized  that,  in  serving  the  Danish  tyrant,  he 
had  served  an  unworthy  cause,  and,  in  expiation, 
offered  himself  for  any  service  in  his  country's 
behalf.  With  wise  forethought,  Gustav  Vasa  sent 
him  as  ambassador  to  the  Emperor  Charles  V. 


KARINE.  20 1 


Had  he  other,  unspoken  motives  in  sending  the 
youth  on  so  distant  a  journey?  Unconsciously,  per- 
haps ;  but  now  they  were  long  since  forgotten.  He 
only  remembered  Karine's  "  Never,"  when  upon 
the  waters  of  the  Gota-Elf  he  had  asked,  "  Will  you 
return  to  Gustav  Rosen  ?  "  —  "Never!"  she  had 
repHed ;  "  between  us  lies  an  abyss,  as  between  this 
side  and  that  of  the  Trollhatta.  My  heart  no  longer 
belongs  to  the  man  who  could  betray  Sweden." 

Gustav  Rosen  never  had  understood  Karine's 
eyes,  that  loved  Sweden ;  and  what  does  Gustav 
Vasa  know  of  the  eyes  that  loved  Gustav  Rosen  ? 

Had  Gustav  Erikson's  ambassador  thought  to 
expiate  another  crime?  Had  he  hoped  to  return 
and  say,  "  I  was  stricken  with  blindness  when  I 
betrayed  Sweden ;  now  I  have  helped  to  save 
your  country  and   mine  "  ? 

But  the  road  is  long  from  the  Trollhatta  to  the 
Alps.  When  Gustav  Rosen  came  back  to  Upsala, 
the  cathedral  bells  were  ringing,  all  the  bells  in 
Sweden  were  ringing,  for  the  marriage  of  its  queen. 

He  was  a  proud,  knightly  king  in  whose  hand 
she  had  placed  her  own ;  he  was  a  strong,  a  wise, 
and  a  noble  man. 


202  KARINE. 


Probably  there  was  not  a  maiden  in  all  the 
Swedish  land  who  did  not  to-day  envy  Karine's 
fate ;  and  many  a  man  would  have  prized  less 
highly  Gustav  Vasa's  new  crown  than  the  white 
pearl  by  his  side,  that  seemed  to  have  risen  from 
the  snowy  foam  of  the  TroUhatta.  She  too  had 
risen  at  her  husband's  words.  A  glance,  her  first, 
sought  Rosen's  eyes.  For  a  moment  the  Queen 
of  Sweden  vanished ;  the  distant  dream-vision 
approached,  and  stood  lonely  and  strange  in  the 
festive  hall  at  Upsala.  Then  Karine  looked  away, 
and  it  faded  once  more  into  the  distance,  dim, 
vague,   forever  unattainable. 

Deeper  sank  the  darkness,  and  with  midnight 
silence  came  into  the  house.  Silence  lay  upon 
the  vast  Swedish  kingdom  ;  only  a  northern  light, 
its  gleaming  rays  darting  through  the  midnight 
sky,  stood  above  the  ancient  royal  city. 


CHAPTER   IX. 


THE  morning  rose  in  golden  splendor  upon 
the  liberated  land.  The  young  king  gen- 
erously permitted  the  Danish  garrison  of  Stockholm 
to  return  to  their  homes.  Humanity  and  justice 
began  their  reign  in  Sweden.  A  rare,  summer-like 
autumn  smiled  upon  the  newly  won  freedom.  As 
far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  the  grain-fields  were 
green  with  the  harvest  of  the  coming  year;  and 
for  the  second  time  white  blossoms  covered  the 
fruit-trees.  Springtime  and  autumn  met  in  a 
brotherly  embrace,  and  the  winter's  strength 
seemed  forever  broken.  With  rejoicing  the  people 
gathered  their  rich  harvest,  and  their  trusting  grati- 
tude revered  their  king  and  queen  as  the  source 
of  the  many  blessings  which,  after  long  years  of 
slavery  and  strife,  were  showered  in  almost  miracu- 


204  KARINE. 


lous  profusion  upon  the  land.  They  associated 
Karine  most  closely  with  their  new  prosperity ; 
Karine,  whose  eyes  never  wearied  of  seeking  out 
the  needy ;  who,  with  the  beauty  and  winsomeness 
of  youth,  with  the  wisdom  of  riper  years,  realized 
not  the  dignity  only,  but  the  earnest  duties  of 
a  kingly  crown.  Her  ear  was  open  to  all ;  and 
when,  upon  her  white  horse,  followed  by  a  single 
servant,  she  rode  through  the  village  streets,  all 
eyes  kindled  with  hope  and  gladness,  and  with 
shouts  of  joy  the  children  ran  into  the  houses 
to  carry  the  news  of  the  "  good  queen's  "  coming. 
The  king  observed  with  pleasure  how  she  won  the 
hearts  of  the  people.  Sometimes  he  accompanied 
her  upon  her  errands  of  mercy ;  more  frequently, 
the  arduous  labors  which  the  necessary  reorganiza- 
tion of  national  affairs  exacted,  kept  him  at  his 
post ;  and  Karine  rode  alone  through  the  sunny, 
autumnal  country,  followed  at  a  distance  by  her 
squire.  Lost  in  revery,  she  gazed  at  the  distant 
landscape ;  but  her  thoughts  remained  unspoken, 
even  in  the  secrecy  of  her  own  heart.  She  often 
took  the  road  that  led  seawards,  whence,  from  a 
rise  in  the  ground,  she  could  see  in  the  distance 


1 


KARINE.  205 


the  glittering  blue  mirror.  Here,  her  servant  knew, 
the  hours  became  as  minutes  ;  until  at  last  he  would 
approach,  and  point  to  the  sinking  sun.  Then  she 
would  turn  her  horse  and  ride  homeward,  and  the 
villagers  saw  always  the  same  sweetness  and  tran- 
quillity upon  their  young  queen's  beautiful  face. 

One  day  she  was  returning  by  the  usual  road. 
It  was  just  a  year  since  she  had  first  met  Gustav 
Vasa  by  the  brink  of  the  Trollhatta ;  longer  than 
usual  she  had  looked  into  the  endless  distance, 
where  sky  and  water  seemed  to  meet.  When  she 
saw  the  square  church-tower  of  Old  Upsala 
through  the  leafless  trees,  a  sudden  unrest  seemed 
to  awake  within  her.  She  glanced  upwards  at  the 
tall  trees  that  from  the  summit  of  the  kings'  mounds 
overshadowed  the  village,  beckoned  to  her  ser- 
vant to  continue  his  road  to  Upsala,  and  then 
turned  aside.  She  did  not  enter  the  village  ;  but 
riding  through  the  meadows,  she  reached  the  foot  of 
Odin's  Hill,  where  she  dismounted,  leaving  her  horse 
to  wait  for  her  return. 

''You  will  wait  for  me,"  she  said  softly,  laying 
her  hand  upon  its  slender  neck.  "  You  always 
carry  me  back  into  the  king's  house." 


206  KARINE. 


Slowly  she  climbed  the  hill ;  her  trailing  gar- 
ments, probably,  or  the  dead  leaves,  that  rustled 
about  her  feet,  impeded  her  walk,  for  she  often 
paused  as  if  with  weariness.  When  she  reached 
the  summit,  the  setting  sun  met  her  eyes  with 
dazzling  light.  Green  and  melancholy,  the  level 
rays  lay  upon  the  silent  valley  and  upon  the  brown 
leaves,  which  had  dropped  from  the  trees,  and  now 
completely  covered  the  Runic  stone.  But  Karine 
knew  every  line  and  crevice  as  intimately  as 
though  her  own  heart's  blood  had  been  shed  there. 
Mechanically  she  moved  to  the  spot  where  her 
strength  had  failed  her,  on  the  day  when  Gustav 
Vasa,  in  his  anguish,  had  left  her ;  where  she  had 
lain  upon  her  knees,  and  pressed  her  face  against 
the  cold  granite,  before  she  set  out  upon  her 
errand  to  Upsala.  Again  her  knees  trembled ;  a 
wild  grief  distorted  the  calm  features  of  the  young 
queen's  face,  and  it  seemed  as  if  a  cry  of  agony 
must  burst  from  her  throbbing  heart. 

Something  rustled  among  the  dry  leaves,  and, 
startled,  she  looked  up.  Her  eyes  met  the  golden 
balls  of  the  cathedral  spires  at  Upsala,  reflecting 
the  sunshine  above  the  sombre  pine-woods ;  and 


KARINE.  207 


the  sunbeams  wound  their  golden  threads  around  a 
tall  figure  leaning  motionless  against  a  tree.  He 
turned ;  a  low  cry  escaped  him ;  it  was  Gustav 
Rosen.  Across  the  leaf-strewn  stone,  the  blue  eyes 
found  each  other,  as  they  had  so  often  done  from 
the  earliest  days  of  their  happy  childhood.  They 
found  and  held  each  other  —  speechless,  immov- 
able —  for  the  space  of  a  minute ;  then,  with  a 
convulsive  sob,  the  young  man  turned  and  walked 
down  the  hill  toward  the  meadows. 

"  Gustav  !  "  Karine  called.  He  heard  her,  paused, 
and  went  on. 

"  Gustav,  stay.  Your  queen  commands  —  "  It 
was  not  said  in  a  commanding  tone  ;  unspeakable 
sorrow  spoke  from  her  imperious  words.  They 
did  not  command,  —  they  entreated.  Sad  as  death, 
Gustav  Rosen  came  toward  her. 

With  a  firm  step  Karine  went  to  meet  him.  The 
pain  in  her  face  had  vanished ;  her  heart  no 
longer  throbbed  ;  her  eyes  were  as  tranquil  as  the 
peaceful  landscape  around  her. 

"We  must  take  leave  for  a  while,  Gustav." 
Her  voice  did  not  falter ;  her  hand  held  his  in  a 
warm  clasp.     *'  We  often  said  farewell  when  we 


208  KARINE. 


were  children,  when  the  sun  went  down.  But  it 
ahvays  rose  again." 

With  her  other  hand  she  pointed  to  the  fiery 
ball,  whose  last  rays  fell  between  them ;  from  the 
tree  overhead  the  last  sere  leaf  floated  downward, 
and  rested  upon  her  golden  hair.  With  a  sad 
smile,  she  took  it  and  held  it  out  to  him. 

"  You  gave  me  many  flowers  in  remembrance  of 
happy  summer  days,"  she  said ;  "  they  bloomed 
beyond  the  Trollhatta;  but  now  the  fall  has 
come,  and  I  have  nothing  to  give  you  in  remem- 
brance but  this  withered  leaf." 

As  he  took  it,  it  feU  to  pieces  in  his  hand. 
Then  for  the  first  time  he  opened  his  lips,  speak- 
ing in  whispers,  to  conceal  the  trembling  of  his 
voice,  — 

"  Tell  me  one  thing,  Karine,  and  I  will  quietly 
take  leave  of  you.  Tell  me  only  this,  —  are  you 
happy?     Do  you  love  Gustav  Vasa?" 

She  turned  her  eyes  toward  the  golden  balls  upon 
the  cathedral  spires.  "  The  woman  whose  husband 
he  is,  is  blessed  above  many,"  she  said  softly. 

"Do  you  love  Gustav  Vasa,  Karine?"  He  re- 
peated the  question,  his  voice  shaking  with  pain- 


KARINE.  209 


fully  suppressed  emotion.  A  moment  would  decide 
the  fate  of  two  human  lives.  Karine  lifted  her  blue 
eyes  to  those  of  her  lover,  and  said  firmly,  — 

"  Yes." 

The  sun  had  set,  and  the  chilly  night- wind 
sighed  through  the  branches  overhead.  A  wild, 
agonized  cry  broke  from  Gustav  Rosen's  lips ; 
half  unconsciously,  he  stretched  out  his  arms  and 
clasped  the  woman  by  his  side. 

But  she  quickly  freed  herself.  "  Sweden's  queen 
can  safely  enter  every  house  and  cottage  in  the 
land,  and  encounter  every  forest  solitude.  Shall  it 
be  your  fault,  Gustav,  if  she  no  longer  can  do 
this?"  she  asked  sternly. 

Tears  streamed  down  his  face.  His  arms  fell  to 
his  side  as  if  paralyzed.  But  once  more  her  arms 
were  folded  about  his  neck ;  once  more  her  eyes, 
with  all  the  vanished  glory  of  the  past  contained 
in  one  glance,  looked  into  his. 

"Farewell,  Gustav,"  her  lips  said,  and  kissed 
him. 

Like  a  white  star,  the  Queen  of  Sweden  upon 
her  white  horse  vanished  in  the  twilight,  along 
the  edge  of  the  dark  pine  forest, 

14 


210  KARINE. 


Calm  as  ever,  she  entered  her  husband's  house, 
and  lovingly,  with  gentle  hands,  smoothed  from 
his  brow  the  furrows  of  care.  Many  were  the 
cares  that  crowded  upon  the  young  king,  driving 
sleep  from  his  eyes,  and  so,  the  old  chronicle 
relates,  he  lay  sleepless  one  night,  when  Karine 
opened  her  lips,  and  murmured  some  words.  As 
he  bent  over  her,  she  spoke  in  her  dreams,  — 

"  Gustav  Vasa,  the  king,  I  love  most  dearly;  yet 
Gustav  Rosen,  my  first  love,  I  '11  nevermore  forget." 

Nevermore,  —  the  waves  of  the  Malar  have 
heard  it,  and  tell  it  further.  Lake  Hjelmar  car- 
ries it  to  the  boundless  waters  of  Lake  Wener  ;  and 
past  the  rocky  portals,  through  which  the  green 
river  rushes,  —  then  come  the  Falls  of  Trollhatta. 

They  approach,  gently  flowing,  like  the  destiny 
of  a  human  soul,  —  peaceful,  transparent,  kissing 
the  nodding,  overhanging  grasses ;  then  a  little 
whirlpool,  a  quicker  movement,  imperceptible, 
unheeded,  and  the  stillness,  the  calmness,  have 
gone,  never  to  return.  More  hastily  they  flow, 
still  more  hastily  they  are  driven,  drawn,  compelled, 
—  until  suddenly  they  plunge  headlong,  thunder- 


KARINE.  2  1 1 


ing,  into  the  all-devouring  abyss,  from  whence  no 
arm  can  raise  the  doomed  ones. 

These  are  the  Falls  of  Trollhatta.  They  thun- 
der through  days  and  through  centuries.  The 
child  playing  upon  their  brink  becomes  a  man, 
and  his  hair  grows  white  with  age ;  and  when,  at 
the  end  of  his  life,  he  totters  forth,  leaning  upon 
his  staff,  they  are  the  same  as  they  were  at  its 
beginning,  —  wreathed  in  flowers,  like  the  spring- 
time ;  white  as  winter's  snow. 

Thus  they  have  thundered  for  thousands  of 
years  before  human  ears  were  near  to  hear.  Far 
over  the  rocks  they  fling  their  silvery  spray,  upon 
which,  in  bright  and  joyous  colors,  glistens  the 
sunlight.  But  beneath  this  veil  of  dazzling  maj- 
esty and  beauty  seethe  and  toss  the  troubled, 
stormy  waters. 

It  is  well  for  him  who  would  forget,  to  sit  by  the 
waters  of  the  Trollhatta  ;  their  thunder  will  drown 
the  voices  of  the  past. 

THE    END. 


This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last 
date  stamped  below. 


JUN 


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PT 

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